BMX Skate park Controversy Essay Example

Riders as they often ride in the streets, which is known as "street riding." In street riding, riders make use of any objects they can find such as curbs, stairs, benches, ledges, handrails, and loading docks. Unfortunately, this also means that BMX Riders frequently face issues with law enforcement and receive tickets.

To address these challenges and provide a safer and legal environment for BMX Riders, skateparks have become crucial. Skateparks serve as a solution for keeping bikes off the streets and reducing damage to private property and conflicts within communities. They are designated areas with multiple ramps available in both public or private spaces. The cost of these parks usually ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 for smaller ones.Skateparks, which were first established in Romford and South Sea, England during the early 1970s, offer a legal space for kids to participate in activities such as inline skating, skateboarding, and BMX. These skateparks are constructed with durable cement, although modern ones now utilize various materials like wood, metal, and Skatelite made from abaca fibers derived from the abaca banana plant and hemp fibers to ensure their longevity. In addition to providing a safe environment for children to have fun and engage in physical activity, skateparks also address issues of youth obesity by offering dedicated spaces for exercise. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), a significant percentage of American children face obesity or overweight problems. Therefore, skateparks play a vital role in promoting healthy activities for kids based on CDC guidelines. While playgrounds cater to younger children, teenagers often have limited options outside of organized team sports. Skateparks fill this gap by providing a space where

adolescents can continue their development positively while avoiding engaging in troublesome behaviors. However, concerns exist regarding potential legal issues and inconsistencies in quality and design when it comes to skateparks.Despite concerns about legal liabilities and varying quality standards, cities worry about being held responsible if children get injured while using skatepark facilities. Additionally, some parks may lack excitement or fun. However, skateparks offer numerous advantages and there are solutions available to address these concerns. For instance, incorporating various objects in different configurations can enhance enjoyment, while exploring alternative materials can reduce maintenance costs. It is crucial for cities to understand how skateparks function. In most states, BMX riding, skateboarding, and inline skating are categorized as Hazardous Recreational Activities. This means that cities cannot be held liable for accidents on public property involving individuals aged fourteen or above. To ensure legal protection, all skatepark users must sign waivers relieving the city or company of liability. Minors require their parent or legal guardian's signature while those aged eighteen or older can sign it themselves. Unfortunately, obtaining these waivers proves challenging for BMX riders.Despite misconceptions surrounding them, skateparks are meant to be inclusive spaces accommodating both skateboards and bikes.They are specifically designed to withstand wear and tear from both types of equipment.Their establishment aims to provide a safe environment for kids to have fun, exercise,and socialize with peersMost skateparks are designed for both skateboards and bikes, but many do not allow bikes due to concerns about damaging the ramps. Interestingly, in countries like England where bikes have been allowed since the 1970s, the parks continue to be well-maintained. The Skatepark Association of the USA states that there is

no evidence suggesting that BMX riders cause more damage than skateboarders or inline skaters. However, one reason for excluding bikes is the concern that BMX riders may not coexist safely with other park users. All skateparks have safety rules and etiquette guidelines that must be followed; proper enforcement would prevent issues. Inline skater Ben Magaziner enjoys having bikes in skateparks because it pushes him to perform better tricks. However, excluding BMX riders contradicts the idea that skateparks keep children off the streets. While cities build these parks to discourage illegal activities, only skateboarders and inline skaters benefit from their exclusion of BMX riders. This can lead to BMX riders getting involved in criminal behavior as they are often fined at skateparks and forced back onto the streets without a place to ride their bikes. With fewer riding opportunities, they have more idle time and are more likely to engage in gang-related or drug-related activities.In addition, when BMX riders are prohibited from entering skateparks, some still opt to use them, thereby reinforcing their perception of being criminals. The BMX Riders Organization rightfully points out that discriminating against BMX riders in public skateparks will only create problems for local police departments. It would be more effective for law enforcement to prioritize addressing actual crime instead of issuing tickets to children for biking. Completely excluding BMX riders from skateparks is considered discriminatory and ignored. Unfair regulations can foster a hostile mindset towards law enforcement and the government, causing issues not just for BMX riders but also for skateboarders and inline skaters who share these spaces with them. The conflicts and skirmishes between skateboarders and BMX riders at skateparks

contradict the intended benefits of these venues as places where kids can have fun and engage in physical activity. By denying suitable riding areas to BMX riders and limiting their access to skateparks, their opportunities for exercise are compromised, potentially contributing to obesity-related problems. This contradictory approach goes against the goals of skatepark owners and creators, resulting in numerous consequences such as heightened discord among peers and conflicts. Moreover, BMX riders, including young individuals, also face legal repercussions like being ticketed at skateparks or forced out of other locations within their community.In addition, BMX riders face difficulties within their own community, leading to strained relationships with others. This is due to a loss of respect from residents and business owners/workers who disapprove of them riding in the streets or on private property. As a result, the biking community is being discouraged in an effort to address this issue, which hinders BMX riders from excelling in their sport. To effectively resolve this problem, action needs to be taken by establishing separate time slots at the skate park for skateboarding, inline skating, and BMX riding. This proposed solution aims to alleviate conflicts and resentment among peers, reduce bike usage on public roads, and meet the needs of all participants. It is unfair that BMX riders experience different circumstances at skate parks compared to others despite the popularity of BMX as a sport today. Furthermore,BMX offers enjoyable and professional career opportunities.There should be no justification for them facing legal consequences simply for having fun.BMX, skateboarding,and inline skating are all equally respectable activities;thus,equal access to skate parks should be granted to all participants who must comply with the same

rules and regulations.