BMX originated in the 1960s when children in California wanted to race motocross but couldn't afford motorbikes. They used bicycles instead, which led to the development of bikes specifically for BMX racing. In the 1970s, the first professional BMX race was held. Freestyle BMX then emerged in the 1980s as riders performed tricks inspired by skateboarding in skate parks. Freestyle BMX now offers professional opportunities and includes disciplines like vert, street, and flatland that involve performing tricks on ramps, street obstacles, and flat surfaces respectively.