Our community came together to build an incredible skatepark for Chelsea's youth. Seeing one group of responsible riders left out made me realize this wasn't just about BMX—it was about making sure a public park serves as many young people as possible. 

When I found out BMX riders were excluded, I asked a simple question: Why? The more I researched, the more I realized there wasn't clear evidence supporting the reasons given for excluding BMX. That's why I started this petition.

Chelsea's youth deserves equal access to the skatepark, regardless of whether they're on a skateboard, scooter, or BMX bike. Skateparks should be inclusive, vibrant spaces that evoke creativity, freedom, and camaraderie among participants. These are values that must extend to all, and excluding BMX riders undermines this spirit.

The reasons given for excluding BMX bikes—such as potential damage to ramps, safety concerns, or mixing of different user groups—lack comprehensive, fact-based support. 

Myth: BMX bikes cause more damage than skateboards & scooters

Reality: Skateboard and scooter urethane wheels are harder and less forgiving than rubber BMX tires, creating more friction and abrasion on concrete surfaces leaving skid marks, flat spots, and accelerated surface wear. BMX tires, by contrast, distribute weight more broadly and absorb impact more effectively, reducing surface compression and marking.The wear primarily comes from hard parts grinding or striking the park, such as skateboard trucks, scooter decks, & BMX metal pegs. Plastic BMX pegs slide more easily, are quieter, & reduce wear on coping and ledges.

Myth: BMX is a safety risk

Reality:  While no wheeled sport is risk-free, one published study found that roller skating, skateboarding, and scooters had higher rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) identified on CT scans than the other wheeled sports. *Clinicalpub.com (Clinical Tree). We found no published evidence that BMX riders are involved in more rider-to-rider collisions than skateboarders or scooter riders at skateparks. Skatepark safety experts commonly identify factors such as overcrowding, inexperienced users, poor visibility, and lack of etiquette, rather than the type of equipment being used.

Myth:  Skateparks aren’t designed for BMX

Reality: If the skatepark was designed and constructed in accordance with safety and performance guidelines ASTM F2480 for concrete skateparks, ASTM F2480 specifically addresses that these facilities are intended for skateboarding, inline skating, and BMX biking. 

By allowing BMX riders, we nurture a community spirit that denies no one the thrill of self-expression through sport. Furthermore, providing BMX access also encourages more youth to stay active, fosters talent development, and enriches the community culture around healthy activities.

Our vision for Chelsea is a community where parks and recreational facilities are truly public—open to all who wish to enjoy them. I urge local authorities to reconsider the exclusion of BMX riders from the skatepark and consider adopting inclusive policies that allow all young people to benefit.

Please sign this petition to show your support for a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant Chelsea skatepark. Together, we can make a difference for our youth.