getting "skateparks" to change their policies
 

Why hasnt someone started something like ->this<- for Bikes to get in to skate parks? I donate to that particular cause yearly and id donate to one for bikes if it existed. We need to unleash some BMX lawyers on california and all other states that are prejudiced towards BMX in skate parks. Please try not to argue, this is an issue that is important to me and we need constructive criticism.

Access BMX already figured out some time ago that *changing* city and county policy takes literally years and is nearly impossible to do. My understanding is the 'no bikes' rule typically has nothing to do with city planners, but with the city's liability. The more activities you can restrict the lower the costs go. And since free parks obviously don't turn ANY profit, cost is a huge factor. It's only slightly easier to convince city planners to consider allowing bikes whenever a new park is built, but again you're banging your head against bean counters, not anyone who has any clue about the sports or the people involved in them. The insurance company says, "If you allow bikes, we increase your premiums." And dollars speak much louder than a handful of votes (hell, a good portion of these BMX punks aren't even old enough to vote) or a little public outrage in the form of empty petitions.

There *used* to be bike-legal parks in CA. Places like Vans, SJ Ramp Club, Ramp Rats and Woodward West. All of these parks are or were privately owned and operated and you had to pay to get in. But the cost of operation is high and the income is *severely* compromised by free parks popping up everywhere. Who's going to drive for possibly hours and pay to skate (and skaters are still very much the majority) when there's a free park in your neighborhood?

I think this may be the one thing hurting us. Maybe some day when there are more voices, it wont be as hard to get policies changed.



[edit] someone linked this to me, an article on medford oregon considering changing their policies.

http://www.pdxbmx.com/pdxbmx.html




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http://www.bmxriders.org
http://www.accessbmx.com

your snow bike looks crazy. and fun. lots of fun.

Gracias

Just build trails!, then you dont have to worry about skaters chasing their boards, and them not allowing bikes...

yea, but you do have to worry about little bastards destroying 'em.

in case you cant tell, mine were recently destroyed.

im clever

Hide your shovels. And dont tell people about them.

"The best trails in my opinion, are the ones with the least ammount of people"-One of the riders/builders at our trails told me this, and its true.