BMX stunting LAWS

stunting Laws

Most people know what BMX stunting is, but fewer people are aware of the BMX stunting laws in their area or that they even exist Both stunters and landowners should learn about the law not only to avoid potential harm or injury to themselves and others, but to avoid fines and other penalties.

Although  it  has  not  yet  been  recognized, registered  and  approved  as  a  sport  to  partake  in  in  Botswana  it  is  important  to  still  know  the  laws  that  exist  to  it

People who ride stunt  bicycle do so for a variety of reasons, including for recreational purposes, as a mode of transportation, or as an "extreme sport" (think Tony Hawk and Ryan Scheckler).Because stunting is an inherently dangerous activity, laws exist to regulate, ban, or control stunting.

Stunting popularity has fluctuated over the past several decades  in  other  countries. At one point, BMx  stunting was considered part of a counter-culture that was often associated with "stunt punks", "reckless rebels", and other hard-core behavior stereotypes. Today, it is also a popular and wholesome activity that is enjoyed by many people and families, especially young boys and teenage males. Despite the varying views on BMX stunting, it has remained an integral part of American culture.

BMX Stunting Laws In General

BMX  stunting laws are regulated by state and local ordinances, typically within a jurisdictions health & safety code or state traffic laws. They vary from state to state and town to town. Moreover, the laws affecting stunters are often grouped together with laws affecting bicyclist, roller bladders, and other pedestrians, although some laws may target stunters/BMXers especifically, such as local ordinances that prohibit stunting in bike lanes or on sidewalks.

Stunting laws generally restrict or prohibit stunting as a recreational activity -- specifically the time, manner, age of  a person stunting, and location in which stunting may take place. One town may allow stunting during certain times of day (for example "from a half-hour after dawn to a half-hour before dusk"), while another town may limit stunting to certain areas (for example "on sidewalks in residential areas only").

In addition, some towns may only allow persons of a certain age (for example "over 12 years of age") to stunt in public, while other towns may ban stunting altogether (for example, making it "off-limits on commercial property").

Finally, most stunts and jurisdictions require helmets and other safety gear to be worn at all times, in addition to a posted notice of such requirements in certain areas, such as in "skate parks" and other public places.

Landowner Liability Issues

The issue of landowner liability for injuries stemming from skateboarding is an important concern. Often, stunters who are injured on public or private property may hold a landowner liable for his or her damages  or  injuries from stunting. Under a “premise liability” theory, for example, a public or private landowner may be held liability for injuries that occur on his or her property, especially if the injuries were "foreseeable". This includes cases where a minor (or under-age person) was invited onto private property.

While some states have enacted specific laws arising out of "hazardous recreational activities", other states have included stunting within more general immunity laws or laws that aim to shield landowners from liability lawsuits arising from individuals engaging in a particular activity, such as BMX  stunting.

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BMX Stunting Dangers and Injuries What to Avoid

Stunting injuries account for thousands of physical injuries each year, mostly involving children.According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 25,000 persons are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year with BMX stunting related injuries, and of those injuries nearly 6 out of ten involve children under the age of fifteen. Some of the most common types of injuries include: sprains, fractures (head, knee, and leg), contusions, abrasions, and even death (associated with car collisions or serious falls).

To help consumers avoid stunting-related injury, the CPSC offers these following tips:

• Never ride in the street;
• Dont take chances;
• Only one person per skateboard;
• Never hitch a ride from a car, bus, truck or bicycle; and
• Always were protective safety gear, including helmets, knee and elbow pads that meet

• Penalties for Stunting Law Violations

Penalties for stunting violations include warnings, fines, and (in rare cases) arrest charges. The penalties depend on whether the charge is a first or repeat offense, and whether the violation is considered infraction.

Conclusion

While BMX stunting can be a fun, practical, and enjoyable activity, it is important to follow the safety measures outlined by the CPSC and to check the laws of your particular state, town, or city to avoid penalties that may occur as a result of the activity.