Bob Haro

Bob Haro
Former Freestyle BMX Rider and Founder – Haro Design and Haro Bikes

Considered the creator of freestyle BMX, Bob Haro has turned his passion for art, design and BMX riding into successful business ventures first with Haro Bikes and Haro Design.  Starting around 1974, Haro got into BMX after a successful run racing Motocross, where as an amateur he had won over 50 trophies.  His BMX riding style was heavily skate-influenced as it took shape at the local skateparks in Southern California. At this time he was also doing cartoon illustrations for BMX Weekly, BMX Action, Motocross Action, Oakley and others brands while he ventured into his first business of making number plates and other BMX related accessories for riders.

In 1978, Haro teamed up with R.L. Osborn to form the very first freestyle BMX team, which made its debut at ABA’s Winternationals in Chandler, AZ. In 1981 Bob organized the first summer freestyle BMX tour performing demos nationwide with team mate Bob Morales promoting the fledgling sport of Freestyle BMX and his growing BMX brand.

Also, in 1981, Haro was involved in the Steven Spielberg production of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as a stunt rider in the now infamous BMX chase scene.  He stopped riding in 1985 after four knee surgeries and, in 1987, he was inducted in to the American Bicycle Association Hall Of Fame. Recent projects include collaborations with Nike 6.0 for the 2008 Olympics, product development for Ducati Motorcycles and Logitech while developing his new brand Axio Performance Luggage. In 1993 after successfully selling Haro Bikes he founded, Harodesign, Inc., a design and brand marketing company in Cardiff, CA.

Suggested Reading:

1. Brad Lusky
2. March 24, 2010
   group Y Innovator Series
   w/ Bob Haro & Chris Miller
   Carlsbad, CA