8.9.10. PRSR 02-18-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to this I would expect the Parks and Recreation people to say, "All • this is fine, but bicycle motocross racing is dangerous and would invite lawsuits. Besides, contains an es es, rt's probably just a fad. It is true that bicycle motocross racing con element of danger. But so does driving a car, and yet cities are building new streets all the time. What I think is really dangerous is that as our young people have fewer places to go where they can test themselves and blow off steam, such pastimes as vandalism, drugs,gangs,etc.,will become just that much more tempting to them. Possible lawsuits are definitely a factor to consider when planning a BMX track, but they are not sufficient reason for abandoning the project before it has even begun. Standard procedure at races is to require the promoter of a race to carry liability and often medical insurance. If you think bicycle motocross may be just a fad? Well, Parks and Recreation people, I have news. A recent count puts BMX tracks in the United States well over the three hundred mark,with new ones being built every week. BMX has already spread to Canada, Mexico, Australia,Japan and parts of Europe. Some of these tracks operate as many as two or three times a week. If you figure three hundred actively involved racers at each track, and this figure is low, that puts the number of BMXers in the U.S. up to around 90,000. If we were to count the kids who have the equipment and the desire to race but have no tracks in their area,this figure would become astronomical. There are at least three national publications devoted entirely to the sport of bicycle motocross, with many newsstand magazines carrying occasional articles. A whole new industry has grown out of BMX. Many companies have been created or have expanded to meet the demand for top quality BMX equipment. Their biggest problem is expanding fast enough to fill their ever increasing orders. Virtually every 410 major bicycle manufacturer is now building motocross bicycle and related equipment. BMX races have been held in the Los Angeles Coliseum, the Astro Dome in Texas, and at many state and county fairs. BMX has been on television and in the movies. BMX races have been sponsored by Coca Cola, RC Cola, Schwinn, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, Magnavox, and many more large, national and international companies. I could go on,but I think I've made my point. If you still think BMX is a fad, go down to your local bicycle shop and ask them what kind of bikes and equipment are selling best these days. Well, Parks and Recreation people, that's it. Wouldn't you say it's about time to start talking to the young people? And listening to what they have to say? •