Eddie Roman: The Maverick Who Rewrote BMX’s Playbook

In the pantheon of BMX legends, Eddie Roman stands apart—not just for what he rode, but for how he saw the sport. A rider, filmmaker, and creative force, Roman didn’t just push boundaries; he redrew them entirely. His story is one of raw innovation, underground grit, and a relentless drive to keep BMX weird, wild, and wonderful.

🛹 Origins: From California Streets to Freestyle Stardom

Eddie Roman was born and raised in Southern California, a region that was already buzzing with BMX energy in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Like many kids of that era, he was drawn to the bike as a tool of freedom—but Roman’s connection ran deeper. Influenced by surf culture, Marvel comics, and the emerging freestyle scene at Balboa Park, he quickly transitioned from neighborhood rides to contest circuits.

His early exposure to pioneers like Dave Vanderspek and the visceral energy of street riding shaped his style. Roman wasn’t interested in polished routines or cookie-cutter tricks. He wanted chaos, creativity, and character.

🔧 Style & Signature Tricks

Roman’s riding was as unconventional as his filmmaking. He was a pioneer in:

• Half-cabs and fakie landings off obstacles—long before they were mainstream.

• Switch-footed pedal grinds, which looked awkward but were technically brilliant.

• Wall rides and manual variations that borrowed from skateboarding’s raw aesthetic.

He didn’t just ride spots—he interpreted them. His approach was more jazz than classical, improvisational and instinctive.

🏁 Sponsors & Scene Influence

Roman’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. He rode for iconic brands like:

• Skyway, where he gained early exposure and toured internationally.

• Airwalk and Life’s A Beach, both of which embraced his countercultural flair.

• Haro, aligning him with some of the most influential riders of the era.

• Later, he became part of Dirt Brothers, a San Diego-based crew that embodied the DIY ethos of BMX.

These sponsorships weren’t just about logos—they were about aligning with brands that understood Roman’s vision: BMX as art, rebellion, and storytelling.

🎥 The Videographer Who Changed Everything

If Roman had only been a rider, he’d still be remembered. But it was behind the camera where he truly reshaped BMX culture.

His video work includes:

• Aggroman (1989) – A surreal, skit-filled masterpiece featuring Roman as a BMX superhero. It was absurd, hilarious, and deeply influential.

• Ride Like a Man (1990) – Commissioned by Ron Wilkerson, this video documented the 2-Hip contest series and marked a turning point in BMX’s post-AFA era.

• Head First (1991) – Centered around Mat Hoffman, this video showcased vert riding at its most explosive and introduced a new level of production quality.

• Ride On (1992) – A documentary-style film that captured BMX’s soul during its so-called “dead years.” Featuring legends like Dave Mirra, Vic Murphy, and Jay Miron, it was a love letter to the sport’s underground resilience.

Roman’s videos weren’t just edits—they were cultural artifacts. They blended humor, music, and raw riding in a way that made BMX feel alive, even when the industry was struggling.

🎬 Beyond BMX: Reinvention & Resilience

After his run in BMX, Roman transitioned into professional video production. He worked with GT Bicycles and eventually produced segments for the TV show Crank on Fox Sports Network, blending BMX with motorsports and mountain biking.

In recent years, Roman has focused on Christian programming and creative evangelism, using his storytelling skills in new ways. He’s also remained connected to the BMX community through interviews, podcasts, and reunion events. Despite personal challenges—including a serious accident involving his son—Roman’s passion for BMX remains undiminished.

Early Street Riding With Eddie Roman // Freestylin' USA // 1988

Eddie Roman // Hicks In Action // Dirt Brothers // 1991

"BMX Was Dead" - Eddie Roman