CORY BEAL, an extreme sports junkie, jumps off the east median on Broadway, which is his current favourite location to perform bike tricks. At the beginning of his third summer of extreme riding, a teen bike junkie has found a new challenge to jump: one of the three controversial Broadway medians.

On average, 16-year-old Cory Beal rides for four hours a day looking for various objects to jump throughout the town with his current favourite being the east Broadway median.

"I don't think they're good for anything else," the fearless teen said. "It's probably the biggest waste of money I've seen in my life."

When Mayor Drew Brown saw footage of Cory jumping the median and other objects on his blog he said Cory had an Evel Knievel attitude and remarked, "What an idiot," while in shock.

"There's nothing you can do to stop that sort of thing except have a cop on the street."

He added, "He's looking for dangerous situations so he can have it on film."

Mayor Brown said it wouldn't matter what was on Broadway, as the personal video shows Cory jumping and grinding other objects on Broadway such as the monolithic slabs.

Photos/MANDI HARGRAVE "It's disappointing, but not too surprising," he said. "That's the type of action that gives all teenagers a bad name."

Police Chief Rod Freeman, who has not seen the footage, said that since Cory is not trying to intentionally damage property the biggest risk he is taking is with his civic responsibility when it comes to damage from his stunts.

If damage were to occur as a result of his riding he would be responsible for the cost of repairs.

"In terms of trick-riding his bike, he takes a personal risk to his own safety," said Chief Freeman.

"Riding where there's traffic increases his personal risk and civic liability, but in terms of a criminal offence ... I don't get a sense of that yet."

However, he could potentially be charged with not wearing a helmet.

"If he was to cause damage to any property or injuries to another person through these daredevil antics he certainly civilly would be responsible. Say the worst-case scenario is that he caused injury to a citizen through these antics, perhaps a charge of mischief or negligence might apply, but that's a big perhaps."

However, a town bylaw states that all twoor

three-wheeled cycles should be registered and licensed - a one-time fee of $5.

In response to the mayor, Cory said he understands a lot of money has been spent on the medians and if the skate park had been built first they would be a lot less popular.

He also said bike riders know they have a responsibility to remain safe.

Since the town doesn't have a skateboard park yet, he said it's pretty boring in town as most of the objects are curbs and he often goes to Iceland in Mississauga, which has a skateboard park.

Cory says he enjoys doing this risky sport because it's a challenge and he has never been into team sports. Also, it was a good excuse to hang out with his friends and do something besides watching TV.

"It's better than what else I could be doing," he said.

Cory hasn't received too many injuries from his stunts although he had a sprained ankle which kept him from riding for about two weeks.

"It's dangerous, but not dangerous enough that I would get hurt badly."

Although he doesn't worry about getting a sponsor, he has considered extreme biking professionally, but right now is enjoying it has a just-forfun past time.

Once the skateboard park in Rotary Park is completed Cory says he'll be riding there everyday.

He hopes it will be lighted as he prefers to ride at night. He also said having lights at night would be safer.

"As innocent as it is, it looks suspicious," Cory said.

He also hopes bikes will be permitted in the park as they're not at other locations in Mississauga and Newmarket.

"Bikes do no more damage than skateboards."

He says the skate park is a good investment for the town, as the novelty won't wear off.

He boasts that his mom is great because she supports him in what he does and she knows it could be a lot worse. But he added with a smirk, "She does mind when I don't do the dishes and go riding instead."

Cory has been organizing the Orangeville Flatjam, an event for bike riders from all over Ontario, with Gord Brady, property manager for RioCan. It will take place this Saturday starting at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the old Sobey's location.