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.
.
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.
