|
L M C I T L O 5 5 C O N T R O L
<br /> •
<br /> • Bicycle Motocross Tracks
<br /> By Rachel Stapleton
<br /> I
<br /> icycle Motocross (BMX) racing ment must also meet certain guidelines, vide a track surface for practicing jumps
<br /> began in the early `70s with a such as removal of kick stands, fenders, and racing techniques. Signs are posted
<br /> few kids using their bicycles to and any brackets.. to inform patrons of rules, such as
<br /> imitate their motorcycle racing Skill levels. Rders must register at what protective equipment is required.
<br /> heroes. The early dirt tracks BMX facilities and then become classi- Monitoring of activities and enforce-
<br /> were rough and contained large fled as to their skill level. Riders then ment of the rules is the responsibility
<br /> obstacles, including rocks and carry an identification card that shows of the adults on site.
<br /> chunks of dirt, water jumps, their current skill level for racing. This Agreements. The city may operate
<br /> and deep ruts. Interest in BMX racing gives track supervisors a measuring the BMX track and have insurance
<br /> continues to grow, although today's device for monitoring rider activities coverage under LMCIT. Alternative-
<br /> tracks aren't as rough or deman ding on the track. ly, operation of the track under a lease
<br /> as they once were. The tracks still Supervision. Supervised facilities agreement with the local BMX organ-
<br /> represent a significant exposure for are the only sites where races should zation may be more attractive. The
<br /> potential injury and liability problems. be held. These facilities provide a organization could provide a track
<br /> Consequently, LMCIT recommends learning opportunity for new riders operator and full track liability insur-
<br /> that such a facility not be installed as well as a controlled environment once, with the city named as an
<br /> on city property. Many municipalities for experienced riders. The city should additional insured. Such agreements
<br /> have discontinued motocross facilities ensure there is an adequate number of allow the national organization to pro-
<br /> as
<br /> • park areas because of liability and trained personnel vide track liability insurance as well
<br /> injury potentials. Non-supervised facilities. Facilities as participant insurance for members.
<br /> BMX organization. If your city that are not supervised generally pro- Therefore, all participants are generally
<br /> already is or chooses to become in- required to be members of the BMX
<br /> volved in a BMX facility on city organization. Lease agreements should
<br /> Loss Comrol Field Consultants and Re olls
<br /> property, care in planning an d opera- have hold harmless language, which is
<br /> don are im erative. A local BMX r�� � c
<br /> p � in favor of the city, an d require proof
<br /> ��7 :',;40,`,6
<br /> organization, affiliated with a national Doug HaIu (612 591 7406IBRAG of insurance with adequate limits c in-
<br /> BMX organization, should be estab- to ( 5 215 44791IMC Bring all events and any practice riding.
<br /> fished in order to receive national West Metro West ��MN ' Waivers. Participants should sign
<br /> organizational support with expertise Mark Eas y (612)5 1-742 �� waivers for supervised tracks and racing
<br /> k North Metro&(Nest Central MN #� ��
<br /> in all phases of planning and operation. , « ,0 events. The parent or guardian should
<br /> Track location, design, and mainte- .g&a; nentlseru2angS�uthistMN04, sign the waiver for minors. Generally,
<br /> nance. The track facility needs to be NolthwestMN � non-supervised facilities don't have the
<br /> located away from any neighborhoods. � oe Inge rand( 2)-3 a protection of waivers and agreements.•The American Bicycle Association (a South Central Metro&South Central MN BMX tracks can provide a good
<br /> national BMX organization) provides also currently"servicing Southwest MN�� xv source of recreation if they are man-
<br /> guidelines for design features for super- �Luc (612)591 a ed well and run safely. For more
<br /> North Metro&North Ceal MN � * g
<br /> wised and non-supervised facilities, as Dave Strock ( 12 91 X472 information, contact your regional
<br /> well as guidelines. .for proper mainte- Metro�,Northeast MN loss control consultant at the Berkley
<br /> nance of track facties. Cities who Tom Gross , (6i 591'-7419� Risk Administrators Company, LLC
<br /> build non-supervised facilities must ' South t Metro'8,south East;MN (WRAC). Please see sidebar for their
<br /> be very vigilant in their maintenance Kevin a%n (612 H phone numbers and regions.
<br /> and review of the use of these tracks Southwest MN r *:-
<br /> due to the otential for abuse.
<br /> Glee,Gardner (605'371 2
<br /> p �Manager ��: �����.� `�" �
<br /> Safety equipment. Clothing and David bru ( 12 i91
<br /> safety equipment are very important They can also be reached at: $ x Rachel Stapleton is loss control specialist
<br /> 0 at BMX facilities. At a minimum, ,„,,,,,,,-1-4-,T euc Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust , with the League of Minnesota Cities. She
<br /> personal protective equipment (PPE) 145 University W P formerly served as clerk/administrator for the
<br /> includes: approved helmets, leather 'aul,Minnesota 55103 044 nit o St. os h or more than 12 ears.
<br /> :Phone ``{651}281-1' or:(65 928?1122 y or J .f Y
<br /> gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants Rachel may be reached at rstaple @hnnc.
<br /> Faz.(654,28i..4:,,,..,4;,,_,,98 TDD 651 281 1*-
<br /> and closed-toed shoes. Bicycle equip- q � � � a org or(651) 215-4069.
<br /> AUGUST 1999 MINNESOTA CITIES 15
<br />
|