How to Ride a Skateboard in NYC

With its abundance of outdoor staircases, guard rails, benches, parks, courtyards and concrete, New York City is filled with places to practice skateboarding. If you aren't careful though, the city is filled with places where you can be hurt or arrested. You can't exercise your right to skateboard if you don't know what your rights are. Know what you're allowed and now allowed to do when practicing your skills. If you stay safe and obey the law, you can skateboard in New York City without problems, except for the occasional bail.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wear protective gear before going out. Gear such as helmets and pads keep you safe. When skateboarding in urban terrain, especially in an area as populous as New York City, you need to protect yourself.

    • 2

      Respect pedestrians. You have every right to skate on the sidewalk, as long as you're safe. Reckless skateboarding, which the city considers any type of skating that threatens or endangers another person's health or possessions, is an official offense and could result in a fine. Skate at safe speeds, yield to pedestrians and don't take unnecessary risks.

    • 3

      Check for signage when skating in public. Areas such courtyards and parks may ban skateboarding. If that's the case, respect the law and refrain from skating there. If you're asked to leave by a police officer or security guard, do so.

    • 4

      Go to the skatepark to practice freely. New York City is home to more than a dozen skateparks, at least one in each borough. Go to the skatepark to practice on dedicated surfaces, ramps, rails and pipes without having to worry about pedestrians, cars or hecklers.