Inline skating gives you a workout and doubles as a form of transportation. Similar to bicyclists, inline skaters need an awareness of the rules of the road when traveling on sidewalks or roadways. Following the basic rules keeps you safe by preventing a collision with parked or moving vehicles. Refresh yourself on the roadway skating rules frequently. If children are skating with you, teach them the same rules.
Gear
Proper protective gear protects your body while inline skating. A helmet is the primary piece of protective gear you should always wear. You want a helmet that fits snugly and doesn't move around at all when you have it on. Wear the helmet low on your head so it covers most of your forehead. You should only have a finger width or two between your eyebrows and the helmet. Elbow and knee pads are also useful while inline skating. Wrist guards help you if you fall and need to catch yourself with your hands. Inspect your gear on a regular basis to make sure it isn't damaged.
Skating Location
Inline skaters typically ride on the sidewalk rather than in the street. Check with your city's local ordinance on skating to determine if it is prohibited in particular areas or if you are supposed to ride in a specific place. In general, you should stay to the right side of the sidewalk. If you need to pass a pedestrian or fellow skater, announce your intentions and pass on the left. Wait until you are safely past the other person before moving back to the right.
Rules
Even though you are skating on the sidewalk for the most part, you need to follow regular traffic rules just like drivers of vehicles and bicyclists. Obey all traffic signs and lights, including stop and yield signs. Practice stopping on your inline skates so you are able to stop quickly if needed to obey a changing traffic light. Get in the habit of slowing down as you approach intersections even if you have a green light. You are better able to stop if necessary when you are skating slower. Always cross the road at intersections so drivers are better able to see you.
Awareness
A general level of awareness is another key element of inline skating along roads. Even if you stop at a stop sign, you need to look around for vehicles before proceeding. Make sure drivers see you before you cross a road or enter an intersection. Be aware of other skaters, pedestrians and cyclists around you so you can anticipate where they might go to avoid collisions. You also need to be aware of the surface you're skating on to avoid cracks or uneven areas on the sidewalk.
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