With over a decade of experience in the BMX community, I’ve unearthed some intriguing data shedding light on this adrenaline-fueled sport.
From the rising number of enthusiasts each year, the sport’s evolving demographic profile, to the heart-thumping statistics of professional competitions, there’s a rich tapestry of numbers awaiting exploration.
Our quest for precision will unveil facts and figures, painting a vivid picture of BMX’s exhilarating essence. So, whether you’re a seasoned rider or a statistical savant, this post promises a riveting ride through BMX’s numerical narrative.
Total Cyclists vs BMX Riders in the U.S.
In the United States, approximately 8% of all cyclists are BMX riders. This niche community has a dedicated following, making BMX a unique subset of the broader cycling world. There were around 47.88 million people who participated in some form of cycling in the U.S. in 2019. Of those people, there were 3.84 million riders who took part in BMX. Surprisingly, a sport that has a relatively small following is represented so well in the Olympics.
Gender in BMX Riding
The sport shows a significant gender disparity, with 94% of BMX riders being male. This is similar to most extreme sports and those done in a skatepark.
Scootering and Skateboarding will have a similar disparity in gender participation.
BMX Market Growth
The BMX market is expected to grow by 147% over the next decade, reaching an estimated value of $9.16 billion by 2030. This rapid growth indicates a lucrative future for the industry.
- The global BMX bike market size was USD 3.71 billion in 2020.
- Expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2021 to 2028.
Speed in BMX
The max speed of a BMX bike is around 35 mph. This speed is very uncommon as most tricks are performed on small ramps at a speed of less than 10mph.
Higher speeds are achieved in big air, BMX dirt juming and vert.
The smaller wheels of a BMX bike make it great for acceleration but high speeds are tougher as RPM needs to be higher than a larger bike.
Historical Milestones in BMX
BMX biking originated in the early 1970s, with the first official race taking place in 1971. Despite its relatively short history, the sport has seen significant growth in both participation and market value.
The first 20” bicycle was released in 1963 and was named the Schwinn Sting-Ray. It was a long way from current BMX styles but it caused a massive market shift.
Accidents and Injury Statistics in BMX
BMX vs. Traditional Biking Accidents
BMX-related accidents make up 44% of all new bicycle accident cases over a 60-day period. This is a concerning statistic, especially when BMX riders constitute only about 8% of all cyclists.
Head Injuries in BMX
BMX biking seems to be relatively safer regarding head injuries, with only 31% of accidents resulting in such injuries. This could be due to the protective gear commonly used in the sport.
Hospital Admissions
BMX biking has almost double the rate of hospital admissions compared to traditional cycling. The injuries sustained in BMX are generally more severe, requiring more immediate medical attention.
Severe Injuries in BMX
The incidence of serious injuries and hospital admissions is almost twice as high in BMX compared to traditional cycling, emphasizing the sport’s extreme nature.
- 300 new cases of bicycle accidents were seen in 60 consecutive days.
- 56% were related to ordinary cycles and 44% to BMX cycles.
- 94% of children on BMX cycles were boys compared to 76% on ordinary cycles.
- Incidence of serious injuries and hospital admissions was almost twice on BMX machines compared to conventional bicycles.
- 53% of children on ordinary cycles had injuries above the neck, compared to 31% on BMX cycles.
Types of Injuries
53% of children on traditional cycles had injuries above the neck, compared to 31% on BMX cycles, suggesting different risk profiles for different types of cycling.
