BMX: Childhood memories feature in 'untold story'

BMX took off in the UK during the 1980s

From the movie E.T. to British success at the Tokyo Olympics, BMX has thrilled generations and is now being celebrated in a book by avid fans.

Antony Frascina and two friends have spent the past five years gathering recollections of what they call the "untold story of British BMX" in the 1980s.

"We wanted it to be a real piece of social history that celebrated the amazing 80s and the freedoms that we all took for granted," he said.

"The music, the fashion, the cars, even the carpets and the houses where we all lived."

BMX became a popular craze in neighbourhoods

The flips and tricks thrilled many teenagers

Bicycle motocross - also known as BMX - started in the 1960s in the US.

The trend was noted by the film director Steven Spielberg, who featured the bikes in memorable scenes in his 1982 blockbuster E.T..

One book contributor said BMX "made our worlds bigger, took us to new places, gave us adventures"

The sport went from dirt tracks to debuting at the Olympics in 2008

BMX soon grew in popularity in the UK, becoming a regular sight on residential streets, especially during school holidays.

"Like any first love, it never leaves you," Mr Frascina says.

A brave mother lifts a ramp for her son to cross

The book also reflects 1980s homes and lifestyles

He put the book together with fellow enthusiasts Clint Pilkington and Andrew Rigby during breaks from their busy day jobs in Merseyside and Manchester.

"The lockdown periods actually worked in our favour as it gave many people the time and opportunity to delve into their attics and sheds and find long lost and loved photographs from their childhoods."

One fan recalls spending time with friends on their bikes, saying: "We were hardly ever in watching TV"

Such was the nostalgia that they compiled more than 1,200 images and 400 contributors recollecting days of childhood freedom.

Mr Frascina says the resulting book We Were Rad "shows a narrative of how BMX in the 80's crossed many barriers that included gender, race and socio-economic differences".

"The story is one of inclusivity and one that destroys many stereotypical views of society at that time."

Olympians Charlotte Worthington (above), Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte have revived the sport's profile in the UK

"Those great times will be forever engraved in our hearts and minds," Mr Frascina adds.

"BMX appeared like a lightning bolt and changed my life forever."

All images subject to copyright.