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by Steve Larios
As skating professionals and IISA certified instructors we are always stressing the ideals of inline skating safety in our classes. Our students, for the most part, leave us with the knowledge that enables them to minimize injuries and enjoy skating over different conditions and terrain. The purpose of this short manual is to provide a summary of this safety information for our students, and all other skaters .
Remember: Inline skating, like all other sports, involves an element of risk. We're not telling you this safety stuff because we like to preach. Smart skaters do what they can to minimize their chances of injury.
IISA Rules of the Road
The International Inline Skating Association has developed Rules of the Road for inline skaters. We use the acronym SLAP (Smart, Legal, Alert, Polite) to plant it in skaters' brains. Here it is right out of the book, followed by discussion:
1) Skate Smart. Always wear protective gear - helmet, wrist guards, elbow & kneepads. Master the basics - moving, stopping, and turning. Keep equipment in safe condition.
2) Skate Legal. Obey all traffic regulations. When on skates, you have the same obligations as any wheeled vehicle. Skate with the flow of traffic.
3) Skate Alert. Control your speed. Watch for road hazards such as water, oil, sand and heavy traffic.
4) Skate Polite. Skate on the right, pass on the left. Announce your intentions by saying, "passing on your left". Always yield to pedestrians. Be a good-will ambassador for inline skating.
Let's talk about this:
Protective Gear
Dude, if you don't wear it you're gonna get hurt. It's that simple.
Helmets - Any helmet that is Snell or ANSI approved for cycling or skating will work. Many skate specific helmets are designed for multi-impact use and are used for more aggressive skating. The lighter cycle type helmets are equally effective, but are designed to be returned to the manufacturer after any impact. Helmets must fit snug and square on your head, with the straps adjusted to prevent movement of the helmet when you shake your head.
Wrist guards, knee and elbow pads - Don't cheap out here. It's what is between you and the pavement. The better pads will have a sleeve or very wide straps with serious padding. Make sure they fit snug. Falling on skates can be fast and hard, you want protective gear that will stay put when you land. Extra hand protection can be found by wearing cycling gloves under splinted inline wrist guards.
Master the Basics
You didn't learn to drive a car by pulling out on the Interstate, so don't get out on the streets and trails without knowing how to operate your skates. A beginner class with an IISA certified instructor will teach you: a basic stride, how to stop with confidence using the heel brake, a speed controlling turning technique, and how to use it to slalom on hills. An hour with an instructor will save you many hours of frustration and falls.
Equipment
Check out your gear every time you put it on: no cracked helmets and all protective gear in good repair. The condition of your skates is very important. Make sure the wheels are not overly worn, the bearings are all spinning well, the brake has plenty of pad left for your skating session, all the buckles, straps, and laces are working, and the skates fit. You lose control if any of these elements are lacking.
It’s the Law
Metro Davidson County and Tennessee law prohibit inline skates in automobile traffic lanes. You should know, however, that the streets are generally safer than sidewalks because of all the obstructions found there. We recommend this: operate inline skates as you would a bicycle - skate as far to the right as safely possible, going with the flow of traffic. You must obey traffic signs and signals, and signal your intentions to other vehicles. Please be advised that skating on streets with traffic is dangerous and not for novice skaters. If you hit the streets after dark wear reflective clothing and a flashing light.
Use Your Head, Dude
Be alert to everything around you when you skate. Keep your speed under control and watch for: hills, water, sand, gravel, traffic, intersections, wet leaves, sticks, oil, soft asphalt in warm weather, mud, manholes, water valves, gnarly pavement, ... you get the idea. Don't skate when the pavement is wet - it's a lot like skating on Crisco, and it trashes the lubrication in your bearings.
Ms. Manners is a Babe
Remember that pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way. This is especially important on greenways and trails. As you overtake slower traffic, let them know what's happening: " Skater on your left .... Thank you." usually does the trick. If they don't move over you must hit the brakes. Greenways & trails are for recreational use, not training for the Olympics - so cut the walkers some slack and smile. If people complain about skaters being dangerous and rude on greenways, you know who will lose that battle with city leaders.
SLAP Happy
So S.L.A.P. is the deal - now get out and skate safe.