Is contact allowed in BMX racing?
I · Intermediate · Conduct, results and kit · 3 of 4Yes,
How it works
- A contact sport: "Interference is often a complex offence, given that BMX Racing is a contact sport."
- Deliberate: an infringement is treated as deliberate "in the event that it could have been avoided".
- Contact: a rider must not touch another rider or bike "with the intention of impeding that rider's progress".
- Off the track: "Any rider must not force another rider off the track deliberately."
- The leader's line: "The lead rider shall have the right to choose his line on the track and through the corners."
- The final straight: there the leader "shall not deliberately obstruct another rider from passing".
- Team riding: helping another competitor to a higher place is prohibited.
- Outsiders: nobody may interfere with a heat on behalf of a rider or a team.
- Language: obscene or foul language is forbidden.
- The penalties: a warning, relegation or disqualification, as the commissaires' panel decides.
The glossary has the commissaires panel and BMX racing.
Tricky cases
A rider takes the inside line in a turn and the rider outside is squeezed up the berm. Is that a foul?
It depends on the commissaires. The lead rider may choose a line through the corners. Forcing another rider off the track deliberately is an infringement.
Two team-mates are first and second. Can the second ease up to protect the first?
No. Team riding or helping other competitors to a higher finishing position is prohibited.
Can a rider swerve across the final straight to stop a pass?
No. On the final straight the lead rider must not deliberately obstruct another rider from passing.
Can a team protest an interference decision?
No. Protests about judgement decisions are not accepted.
Why the rule exists
Eight riders aiming for one line through a turn will touch. The rules accept that and ask a narrower question: did the rider do something they could have avoided, in order to gain? Protecting the final straight keeps the sprint to the line a race and not a blocking contest.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UCI regulations | As above | UCI 6.1.051 to 6.1.059 |
| Fixing a result with other riders | The UCI may suspend the rider's licence | UCI 6.1.068 |
| Canoe, athletics and other lane sports | No contact at all. BMX has no lanes after the gate | R |
From the rule book
Union Cycliste Internationale, Cycling Regulations, Part 6: BMX Racing (version of 1 January 2026), articles 6.1.045, 6.1.047, 6.1.051 to 6.1.060 and 6.1.063 to 6.1.068. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 6 (PDF).