TUCSON

Protest, protest, protest, where to begin? The idea of BMX bikes protesting to gain access into skateparks is by far not my idea. I'd like to believe that it started in Arizona, though. And, to set the record straight my intentions were never to protest at all. In fact, I tried as hard as I could to convince Parks and Rec. as well as Risk Management to allow BMX in the park before it even opened. We had the Tucson Weekly article prior to the park opening in hopes that bad press would change their minds, as well. I did extensive research on the subject and have received emails from community leaders, and Parks and Rec. directors all over the country. But most importantly in our own backyard. I think the best letter I got was from Tom Ellis of Marana parks, where he stated that bikes were going in the park anyways so why not just designate a couple days. It turns out now that bikes and boards coexist in the park at all times, and that park is only 10,000 sq. ft., and this is the angle I'm trying to run. How is it a "skate" park that was never designed for BMX use, according to the builder, in our own county now allows BMX access? While a park not 20 miles away is so set in not allowing any use at all? You know why? Money. Yesterday I was in contact with Parks and Rec. and the Risk manager via email about what happened on Sunday. This is the email I received from Mr. Peterson.

Mike, caught the broadcast last night. Maybe you should organize and raise the funds to get a bike facility installed. That is exactly what the skateboard folks did several years ago. Go for it!

Joel Peterson Risk Manager Finance Department City of Tucson (520) 791-4728

What a fucking joke. You know why? Because here is the break down of where all the money came from to build Santa Rita Skatepark:

budget to construct project: $795,310.00

The break down is:
$150,000 from/for, Pima County Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, (1997 Bond--CIP)
$151,825 from/for, Back to Basics- Community Development Block Grant Funds
$341,660 from/for Community Development Block Grant Fund (CDBG)
$111,825 from Ward 5, where the park is located and pitching in, in 2008 to advance the 1997 project idea, Ward 3 $20,000 and $20,000 from the Mayor's Office....and landscaping around the skate park was suppose to be included in the package price

It's weird because, I don't see any money raised by skaters, do you? Actually, it's everyone's money; skater, biker, scooter'er, fruit booter'er, old man, fat man, little wrinkled lady, working man... Pima county tax payer, that is your skatepark. So, I responded with the break down of funds to Mr. Peterson and this email, too:

Please be realistic here. WE ARE raising funds for the Kory Laos memorial park, but the goal is 1.5 million dollars. Then of course the logistics, construction, and whatever else takes forever to get the park built. We need a place now! And the way the economy is I don't think people are willing to donate 1.5 million dollars, or use public funding for this project.
We were on the committee 10 years ago with the skateboarders to get this park. At some point BMX was forgot about. I was involved with the committee for the BMX dirt facility at Lincoln park that got shut down during production, because of liability. Every park in surrounding communities allows BMX access to their skateparks, whether it was intended from the beginning, or not. Why can't Tucson? Why do places like Sierra Vista, Arivaca, Nogales, Douglas, Mesa, Prescott, Prescott valley, Flagstaff, all have places for BMX to go, but not Tucson? A 15 year old boy has died while riding his BMX bike on the street. Can you honestly say that having BMX in the skatepark is a bigger risk than having them on the streets, or public property? What does it matter if the park has more use, or needs to be maintained more? Is that not what it was intended for? Did you know the entire time we did our protest on Sunday that there was a total of 2 skateboards using the facility? 2 skaters. When there were tons of young bike riders drooling over the chance to use the park. Please take a step back and think about what we are talking about. Kids in a safe environment vs. kids illegally riding on public or private buildings.

All we need is 2 days a week.

The fact of the matter is, we've been riding in Tucson just as long as any of the skaters. There are more skaters in town granted, but there are more baseball players than soccer players. Do you see the city not building soccer fields? The only reason why we are not allowed in the park today is because SDG and California Skateparks told the city of Tucson that the park is not intended for BMX use. And, if the city allows BMX use in the park they will void their warranty and put all the liability on the city. Again, lets be realistic here. ALL THE LIABILITY IS ON THE CITY NO MATTER WHAT. Also, it doesn't matter who is in that park, if someone gets hurt and decides to sue, do you think they will go after SDG? Hell no, they will go after the city. In turn, SDG and Cali skateparks are not liable as the builder, the city is. That is why you see all the parks around us changing to multi-use, because they are sick of trying to police kids from riding their bikes. What is a bigger liability? Kids riding bikes in a controlled safe environment, or kids riding on the streets and public/private property? Get your head out of your ass Tucson.

Anyway, anyway... July 7th is a city council meeting. I'm going, and I will speak. But, I need an entourage and I need some support from the BMX community. We have to strike while the fire is hot, and the next meeting after July 7th is not until August. Will you join me? I'll make another post with times and directions.

Now to the real story.

Sunday was so rad. When we came driving up to the Brooklyn Pizza parking lot we didn't see anyone. Until we got close and looked down the street, there were at least 30-40 peeps on bikes. I was stoked! You know who you are. We did a quick product and sticker handout, followed by a Michael Jackson joke or two. Then we were off! I didn't get shit for pictures of the parade because I was driving and too excited.

We arrived at the park just before 11am, and I know the two people that were using the facility probably shit their pants when they saw us coming. The law was on hand, but they were chill, didn't even fret.

We got the grind box out, the kicker, and the bunny hop rig all set up on the B-ball court. Then we had ourselves a damn good time.

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It seemed that Chango was going to win everything that day, the dude is nut-so.

We had a bunny hop comp that split the winners.

Long jump comp that Chango killed himself on.

For most of the day there were absolutely no skaters in the park. The skater above is Joe Coleman (A BMX'er) he brought his board to feel out the tranny, and get a little backside 5-0. We got no problems with the skaters, only the skaters that call the cops.

Best trick was won by Andrew, he did some serious moves.

A raffle for a FIT Dak frame went down, which raised 255.00 dollars for the Kory Laos foundation. So pumped on that.

Billy won the frame.

I want to send some serious THANK YOU'S out to:

FIT/S&M bikes Mr. Moeller you came through so sick, thank you.

Empire shop out of Austin, you guys are always so generous.

Sputnic, Shadow Conspiracy, and Subrosa. Ronnie B. is the man, thank you so much.

Animal Animal Animal. Best stickers, hats, and shirts for realz. Ralph Sinisi hooked it up.

Psychicflyingmonkey.com Jason Ryan, thank you for your insight, for your filming, and thank you for the vids and shirts. You were a great help to the riders in Tucson.

Poop finger? Or, finger mustache? You decide

To the coolest bike shops in town, with your support and word of mouth, I don't think it would have been possible to get such a large turn out.

Broadway Bikes

Ajo Bikes

Please visit those shops for your BMX needs, they have great staff's and they support BMX 100%

Thank you to Brooklyn Pizza for kicking down the pizza, it was deelish!

Most of all, thanks to all the riders, family, friends, and bums who showed up Sunday, to make it one of the best days I've ever had.

-Mike Hines

Tuesday went a Councillin'

On Tuesday, July 7th, Tucson BMX riders went to their first city council meeting to demand Tucson provide a place for bike riders. They also went to a Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting to see the future bikepark get named in memory of fallen rider Kory Laos. Once again.....Uhmister Mike Hines:

Long day, but a monumental day for BMX in Tucson. I don't think I have ever said the pledge of allegiance twice in one day, but I'm glad I did.

I made it to the Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting today to hear them unanimously vote in favor of naming the future bike park after Kory Laos. The signs will go up soon on the designated land at River and Shannon roads. "The Kory Laos Memorial Bike Park" it has a nice ring to it. The meeting was very uplifting, yet so sad at the same time. Even though I never met Kory, I couldn't help but hold tears back as the family cried for their beloved son, and cried in happiness for passing this giant milestone. I think the BMX community all owes the Laos family a giant thank you for all their hard work.

Later in the afternoon we met at the blocks downtown, and then proceeded into the city council chambers, that just so happens to overlook the courtyard we often get kicked out of. I'd say at least 20 people showed up for the cause, 4 people spoke, myself and Scott Laos being two of them. Damn was I nervous, I wasn't at first and then when I got up there and looked at those "important" figures sitting all high at their table my throat sank a little. I wish I had the guts of Mr. Joe Sweeney, man that guy didn't give a shit, huh? I guess you had to be there. Anyway, 3 minutes was the allowed time and I definitely used all of it, I could easily talk about this subject for 3 hours, but I hope I got some sort of point across. I think Scott Laos did a great job and I was so glad he came and supported us, I wish his story wasn't true though. No one should have to go through what his family has gone through.

Now what?

I kinda had the same feeling, they can't talk directly to you unless it's on the agenda. I will make it my job to get it on the agenda for the August council meeting. If I do, we need everyone and their grandmas to come.

Big shout out to Juan and his buddy (I can't remember his name) for standing up and supporting BMX. I think that was a great help.