How to Skateboard on Public Walkways

Skateboarding is both a recreational activity as well as a means of transportation, with skateboarders standing atop their boards while using one foot to push off the ground and generate momentum. Skateboarders turn their boards by shifting their weight, causing the board to turn in the direction shifted. While skateboarding in the street is a potential hazard, skating on a walkway provides a safe option for skateboarders, provided conditions are right.

Things You'll Need

  • Helmet
  • Knee pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Wrist pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that local bylaws allow skateboarding on sidewalks. While there is no federal law against skateboarding on public walkways, local communities can forbid it.

    • 2

      Wear a helmet as well as elbow, knee and wrist pads whenever you are skateboarding.

    • 3

      Skate with one person to a skateboard. While some boards might appear capable of holding multiple riders, such as long boards or speed boards, they are still meant for one rider.

    • 4

      Ride on open walkways, where there isn't heavy foot traffic to weave through.

    • 5

      Skate at a reasonable speed on the sidewalks, as the others walking there means you should not be riding at full speed. Only travel at a rate where you are able to make a stop if needed.

    • 6

      Avoid riding on surfaces with loose gravel. Skateboards are meant to be safely ridden on paved surfaces, and riding over rocks or pebbles can cause you to fall.

    • 7

      Stop riding on a sidewalk if foot traffic increases and you are forced to be constantly weaving around those walking on the path.