Roller skating is usually considered an indoor sport and people normally skate on even surfaces or cemented surfaces but what about roads? Roads have a very hard surface, many small rocks, and continuous traffic going on. Is it safe to roller skate on Roads?
Can You Roller Skate on the Road? Technically you can roller skate on the road, but roller skating on the road can be unsafe sometimes because of high traffic and bumps on the road. A road with less traffic and a smoother surface is always safer and preferred for skating than other roads.
roller skating on road can be unsafe in many situations as well, there are many other problems you might face while skating on the road as it is completely different than skating indoor as when you are indoor the surface is very smooth and there’s only you skating in the court but in outdoor skating, there will be rough surfaces, small rocks, bumps, vehicles, people, etc. on the road.
Is It Legal to Roller Skate On-Road?
There are no rules or laws regarding roller skating on the road in many countries until and unless you are skating on a road with less traffic as if you roller skate on a highway, police may charge you but the probability is very less, depending on your local area.
Rules and Laws for roller skating are kinds of very similar and commonly the same for cycling which definitely allows us to roller skate on roads.
Is it Safe to Roller Skate on the Road?
The safety of skating on the road depends on many factors: the road you are going to skate on, and your skill.
Road
If there is a lot of traffic moving on the road, whether it be the traffic of vehicles or people walking down the road, it is always unsafe to roller skate on a road like this.
As on a road like this, you may meet an accident or harm other people walking on the street. This can be harmful to you as well as harmful to other people on the road.
If the road has less traffic but has a lot of bumps, pits, or rocks on it, then It will be unsafe too. First of all, skating on this kind of road will never be fun, rather it may damage your skates or make you fall on the road.
I will never recommend skating on a road like this.
Your Skills
If you are not confident about your speed and stopping with your skates, then skating on a road can be very dangerous for you.
Speed and Brakes are the two main aspects of skating that you must master to start skating outdoors.
As, if someone suddenly comes in front of your skates, will you be able to stop yourself? Probably not until and unless you master stopping.
Speed is as important as stopping while moving on a road, as there can be many cracks and rocks on the road, and to pass them, you will need to have a good speed. Not only roads but there are also many cracks on the sidewalk too.
If you are slow, then you will get entangled in the cracks and you may even fall. While, if you have good speed, then you can easily surpass those cracks or small rocks.
What Skates to Use While Roller skating Outdoor?
Roller skates with outdoor wheels are the best type of roller skate for roller skating on the road or any kind of outdoor place. Inline skates or Rollerblades also work great on roads and are often used by many people for outdoor skating.
Can You Roller Skate On The Road With Indoor Wheels?
Methodically, you can roller skate outside with indoor wheels but you’re going to face many problems while doing so. indoor wheels are made from a harder material than outdoor wheels making the skating experience very rough as there is no cushioning given by outdoor wheels. This also becomes very dangerous while turning, going over small rocks, and cracks.
So, it is not a good decision as it can hurt you a lot.
How to Convert Indoor Skates To Outdoor
If you have indoor skates but you want to roller skate outside, don’t worry you don’t need to buy new roller skates. Here’s what you should do to convert your indoor skates to outdoor skates.
The main thing that makes a roller skate indoor and outdoor is the wheels, indoor wheels are harder than outdoor wheels allowing them to go smoother on smooth surfaces, but the road isn’t a smooth surface, unfortunately.
So, we have to change the wheels, don’t worry it is not a very hard task, even a 14-year-old kid can do it pretty easily.
First of all, you need to buy one set of outdoor wheels, thin or narrow wheels are best for speed while wider wheels provide more stability.
You can also buy glowing outdoor wheels they have led lights inside them and they look amazing when someone skates with them.
You can find them on Amazon in a variety of colors.
You can also buy glowing outdoor wheels they have led lights inside them and they look amazing when someone skates with them.
You can find them on Amazon in a variety of colors.
You can also buy glowing outdoor wheels they have led lights inside them and they look amazing when someone skates with them.
You can find them on Amazon in a variety of colors.
Changing Your Wheels
One, you got the new outdoor wheels, it’s time to screw them up in your roller skates. You can follow this video as well for a far better visual explanation. She has explained step by step how to do this.
What Side of the Road Do You Roller Skate On?
Roller skaters should skate on the Right side, While skating on the road, Skaters are required to skate in the same direction as the flow of traffic. For those of us living in the United States, this means always skating on the right side as well as utilizing the right side of the lane as much as possible unless it is unsafe to do so.
How to Roller Skate on Road
If you are good to go/checked all the above safety measures, then it’s time to go out and show some moves. Below are some tips to start roller skating on road.
#1. Safety First
Before you start doing anything, the first step is always Safety. Don’t learn safety from accidents!
“Safety Brings First aid to the Uninjured”
With that saying, go wear your helmet, wear your knee and elbow pads and Get Ready to Rock on Road!
#2. Bend Your Knees While Skating
As I mentioned before, there are many cracks and small rocks on the road and sidewalks. To surpass them, you’ll need to go faster on these cracks because it will help you float right over the cracks. Plus, you can bend your knees to go over them easily. This makes it a lot easier.
But, make sure, don’t go slow. If you go slow, the cracks are going to catch your wheels and you’ll get stuck over there.
#3. Don’t Walk on the Road
I see many people walking with their skates inside the skating court but it is completely unsafe outside, only a little pebble can make you fall on the road.
Don’t be afraid to skate normally, if you are still afraid of doing this outside, then you probably need more practice indoor.
#4. Lower Your Body Weight
Many newbies outside skaters fall in the first attempt and hurt themselves because of this reason. Whenever you start, make sure you lower your body weight. Now, when you are down low if you’re going to fall, you should fall from a lower position than from upright with knees locked.
I want you to bend down in the V Shape, put your arms relaxed, keep your chin up, and transfer your body weight to the left and the right.
#5. Don’t Wear Headphones
Never wear a headphone while rollerblading outdoors. It is completely fine to wear earphones while skating indoors but never wear them when you are on the road.
The reason is, if you wear a headset then you’ll not be able to hear the sound of the vehicles moving nearby. This is very risky and unsafe. You may even get hit by a car or bike.
#6. Stepping on & Off Curbs
There are definitely going to be many curbs when you are going to skate outside. Getting on and off these curbs can be sometimes hard for you as a beginner. There are two ways to get on & off these bumps.
- Stop & Step On: If you are a beginner, then make sure you stop first and then step your one foot up and then the other foot, it is just like walking up the stairs but with your skates. This is really easy and advised for all the outdoor skating newbies.
- Step On While Skating: If you think of yourself as an advanced skater or have tried the first way several times. Then you can definitely try this step. While skating, simply step your one foot up & then your second foot. This time, you don’t have to stop.
Conclusion
Whenever you roller skate on road, make sure there are not that many vehicles and public moving on, and the road does not have pits. Always roller skate on the right (For people in the US) and if you have never done skating in your life, don’t start it outside, make sure you first learn to skate indoor and then come on the roads. If you’re still afraid of skating on road, then Street road is always a good option to first try out.
