Street riding remains one of the most prominent genres of BMX, as of 2011. Street BMX riders utilize urban obstacles, including planter ledges and handrails, to execute tricks. The earliest models of BMX bikes did not have the ability to withstand high-impact street maneuvers. Over the years, a handful of dedicated riders have helped to push the sport of BMX.
The Birth of Freestyle
Prior to the invention of freestyle, BMX riders would race on dirt courses. Early freestyle bikers helped to innovate many of the basic techniques that make up modern-day street-style tricks. According to Joe Kid on a Stingray, a BMX rider named Bob Haro began to execute the first freestyle maneuvers in 1977. Haro, known as the godfather of freestyle BMX, invented many of the flat-ground rotations used by street-style riders.
The Death of Freestyle
The freestyle genre of BMX began to phase out during the late 1980s. According to 23mag, the American Freestyle Association closed it doors in 1989. With the popularity of BMX beginning to decline, street competitions began to pop up as a way to revitalize the sport. One athlete, Matt Hoffman, invented many new and exciting street maneuvers, including a no-handed 540 spin. The design of the BMX bike continued to improve with the production of aluminum frames.
The Rise of Street
Throughout the early 1990s, the popularity of street-style BMX continued to rise. With the innovation of steel pegs, street-style riders begin to grind down long handrails and ledges. Street riders begin to remove the brake system from the frame to decrease the weight of the BMX. Street BMX received mainstream attention after being featured in the 1995 X Games. Thousands of street BMX bikes began to sell in the United States in the late 1990s.
Street Progression
Modern street BMX models feature lightweight components that make maneuvering the bike easier. According to Vital BMX, the lightest BMX bikes in the world have titanium frames that weigh less than 5 pounds. Professional street riders have the ability to execute flips and rotations over gaps and stair sets. As of 2011, sponsored street-style contests feature man-made courses that resemble urban locations. Young riders, including Josh Harrington and Dakota Roche, continue to push the street BMX.
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