Why a BMX feels different
A BMX bike is small and light, with a short wheelbase, a tall handlebar and a single gear. There is usually very little saddle to speak of, because the bike is built to be ridden mostly standing, with the body moving around over the frame. The short, compact shape makes it quick to react, which is why it suits skate parks and short bursts of riding more than long road trips.
That quickness is also what catches beginners out. A small movement of the hands or hips can change the bike’s direction a lot. This article covers basic handling and is general information, not coaching. Practise with care, and consider a lesson from a qualified instructor at a skills park.
Start with the right gear and setup
BMX riding, especially at a skate park or bike park, carries a real risk of falls. A properly fitted helmet is the minimum. Many riders also wear gloves, knee and elbow pads, and sturdy closed shoes. Choosing protective gear that fits well and stays in place is worth the time, and a helmet that has taken a hard hit should be replaced.
Check the bike before each session. Make sure the tyres are firm, the wheel nuts or axles are tight, the handlebar and stem are secure, and the brakes work if your bike has them. Many BMX bikes are run with one brake or none for freestyle, but if you ride anywhere near other people or on public roads, a working brake is important. Never remove a brake you rely on. A short pre-ride check before a trick session catches loose parts early.
Size matters too. A bike that is too small or too large makes everything harder. A BMX bike setup that suits your height and arm length allows you to move around on it without feeling cramped or stretched.
The standing position
The basic stance is sometimes called the attack position. It is the foundation for nearly everything else.
- Stand on the pedals with the cranks level, so both feet are at the same height.
- Keep your knees and elbows slightly bent, like loose springs.
- Hold your head up and look ahead, not down at the front wheel.
- Keep your weight over the middle of the bike, with your hips slightly back, ready to move forward or backward.
- Hold the grips firmly but not tightly, with a finger or two near the brake lever if there is one.
Practise this on flat, smooth ground first. Roll slowly and shift your hips a little forward and back. The aim is to feel how the bike reacts when your weight moves. Once that feels natural, try rolling over a small, gentle rise, letting your arms and legs absorb the bump instead of locking stiff.
Pumping for speed
Pumping is how riders gain or keep speed without pedalling, by pushing the bike into the ground on the downslope of a bump and unweighting it over the top. The idea is to “press” the bike down into dips and then let it rise as you roll over the crest, so you work with the shape of the track.
A pump track is a good place to learn this, because it is made of rollers and berms designed for the purpose. Start with the easiest section. Bend your arms and legs as you reach the top of a roller, then extend them as you roll down the far side. Do not force it. The rhythm comes gradually, and it is normal for the first several laps to feel clumsy. More detail on pumping technique is covered in the jumps and drops articles, and pump track etiquette is similar to general skills park etiquette: wait your turn, look before entering and keep out of the way when stopped.
Low hops
Once you feel comfortable standing and rolling, a small hop is a natural next step. This is a skill with a risk of falling, so stay on flat, clear ground, away from traffic, and wear your gear.
- Roll slowly in the attack position.
- Crouch slightly and push the handlebar gently forward and upward so the front wheel lifts a little.
- Shift your weight forward and lift your feet and hips so the rear wheel follows.
- Land with both wheels together, with your knees and elbows bent to absorb the landing.
Aim for tiny hops over a line chalked on the ground or over something very low and soft, before ever trying to clear an obstacle. Your first hops will probably be small and uneven, and that is fine. Progress in steps small enough that a mistake costs little. If you want the broader picture, bunny hop basics are covered separately, and the practical details of landing differ from bike to bike.
Using a skate park wisely
- Watch for a few minutes before riding. Learn the flow and the direction people ride.
- Start on the flattest, lowest features.
- Take turns, call out your intention and never ride into someone’s line.
- Walk a feature if you are unsure about it, which also lets you spot cracks or loose parts.
- Stop when you are tired. Most injuries tend to happen late in a session, when concentration slips.
Some features, such as tall ramps, large jumps and any trick involving flips or spins, are for trained riders with proper instruction. They are not something to learn from an article.
Building skills over time
Keep sessions short and relaxed. A few minutes of focused practice on one skill is usually more useful than an hour of random attempts. Basic BMX skill drills like riding in a slow circle, rolling through gentle dips and practising smooth stops all make the bike feel more familiar. Falls happen in cycling, and reading up on falling off safely is worth your time before you try anything new.
No one can promise a result or guarantee safety, but patience, protective gear and sensible progression make the learning curve smoother.