How to Start Riding BMX

Learn BMX in a set order. First get comfortable on the bike in a good stance. Then learn to pump, bunny hop, manual and drop in. Practise each step until it feels natural, wear a helmet, gloves and pads, and learn the etiquette of your local skatepark. Skipping steps leads to more crashes and slower progress.

Gear before you ride

Wear a helmet every time. Add gloves, knee pads and flat soled shoes. Consider shin guards and wrist guards while you learn. Check that your bike fits and is set up properly. See how to set up a new BMX.

Skills in order

1. Riding stance

Your stance is how you stand on the bike. Good stance keeps you balanced and ready to react.

1. Stand on the pedals with the cranks level.
2. Bend your knees and elbows slightly.
3. Keep your weight over the middle of the bike.
4. Look ahead, not down at the wheel.
5. Keep your fingers near the brake lever if you have one.

Practise rolling, turning and stopping in an empty car park until it feels easy.

2. Pumping

Pumping is using your arms and legs to build speed from bumps and ramps without pedalling. It is the core skill of park riding.

1. Roll toward the bottom of a small ramp or bank with your weight low.
2. As you start going up, push your hands and feet down into the ramp.
3. As you crest, let your weight rise and the bike settle.
4. Push into the next downslope and repeat.

Start on a mellow transition and build up to bigger banks and quarter pipes.

3. Bunny hop

The bunny hop lifts both wheels off the ground. It lets you clear obstacles, get on ledges and is the basis of many tricks.

1. Roll at walking pace in your stance.
2. Crouch, then push your weight back and pull up on the bars so the front wheel lifts.
3. As the front rises, spring up and forward with your legs and push the bars forward.
4. Pull your feet up so the back wheel follows.
5. Land with both wheels together and absorb the impact with bent knees.

Practise over a line on the ground first, then over a small object.

4. Manual

The manual is balancing on the back wheel without pedalling. It teaches balance and control.

1. Roll slowly, then shift your weight back.
2. Lift the front wheel by straightening your arms.
3. Find the balance point, where the bike feels light.
4. Adjust your weight forward or back to keep it there.
5. Lean forward to bring the front wheel back to the ground.

Start with a few metres and add distance as you improve.

5. Dropping in

Dropping in is rolling into a ramp from the top edge, normally off the coping, instead of from the bottom. It opens up the whole park.

1. Watch other riders. Make sure the ramp is clear.
2. Stand on the coping with your front wheel just over the edge.
3. Lean forward and push the bars down the slope.
4. Keep your weight centred over the pedals.
5. Look ahead, not at the wheel.
6. Hold your stance until the transition flattens.

Start with a small ramp. Never rush this skill. If you hesitate halfway, you will usually slide off.

Learning at a skatepark

A skatepark is the best place to learn, but it can feel busy at first.

• Go at quiet times. Early mornings and weekdays are often calmer.
• Watch first. Learn how people flow around the park before you join.
• Ride a simple line. A line is a path through the park. Pick a small one and repeat it.
• Take breaks. Fatigue causes crashes.
• Ask for help. Most riders are happy to share advice.

Skatepark etiquette

Etiquette keeps everyone safe and the park friendly.

1. One rider per obstacle. Wait your turn. Do not drop in while someone else is mid-line.
2. Look both ways before dropping in. Check the full area and call out if needed.
3. Do not stand on landings or in the middle of the flow. Stand off to the side.
4. Do not snake. Do not cut in front of someone who is waiting.
5. Keep your bike clear. Do not leave it where others might hit it.
6. Respect different users. Skaters, scooter riders and BMX riders share the park.
7. Help riders who crash. Check on them. A bail is part of learning.
8. Follow the posted rules. Some parks require helmets or limit the hours for each group.

Common beginner mistakes

• Looking down at the wheel instead of ahead.
• Sitting on the seat instead of standing on the pedals.
• Gripping the bars too tight.
• Skipping the basics to try big tricks.
• Riding without a helmet.

Related

• Bunny hop
• Manual
• Park
• How to choose your first BMX