It is a shame a university of such high quality as San Francisco State could not see through to the same ends as Stanford University and create the proper protocols and regulations so skateboards could be operated safely to commute on campus.
Here are their regulations. We are researching all the major universities in the country now to review their policy's. If you are a student on any U.S. university campus, please write us an update on regulations where you are. All information, even of a personal recollection, is of interest. No national statistics worthy of analysis for transport of this kind exist. We are seeking to compile, study and advocate for safer "True Choice" commuting.
Showing posts with label SkateBoard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SkateBoard. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Negative Side of Blanket SkateBoard Bans
Blanket bans on skateboards are narrow and short sighted. The fact is, a skateboard is an effective machine in what it can achieve. It is up to the operator's discretion to choose from a long list of possible handling outcomes. Much like a car. A car driver makes many choices. To begin with the choice of car. Followed by a desire to respect and abide by traffic laws or not. Both have obvious consequences.
The same is true for a skateboard. If the rider chooses a longboard of 42" with a drop deck and large 85 mm wheels they would be well suited to push the board and commute comfortably on flat ground in a straight line as well as roll down small inclines with in 25 mile per hour speed limits. With that same board they, if they decided and chose to, achieve speeds in excess of 50 mph depending on the decent grade. The operator makes the choice, same as is made behind the wheel of a car.
Personally, I choose to commute by skateboard all over New York City in a straight line and obey traffic laws. All the while I am on a board which could travel 6o mph pointed down the right hill incline and exceed local speed limits but I do not. I choose. The operator decides. Machines never make the choices. Removing the right to choose is removing our freedoms to retain our privilege of choice. Those that decide to choose to drive recklessly no matter what vehicle they operate should have their privilege taken away. For the rest of us, please, let's not criminalize what is not a crime, skateboard commuting in a straight line while obeying traffic laws same as any car, motorcycle or bicycle.
The same is true for a skateboard. If the rider chooses a longboard of 42" with a drop deck and large 85 mm wheels they would be well suited to push the board and commute comfortably on flat ground in a straight line as well as roll down small inclines with in 25 mile per hour speed limits. With that same board they, if they decided and chose to, achieve speeds in excess of 50 mph depending on the decent grade. The operator makes the choice, same as is made behind the wheel of a car.
Personally, I choose to commute by skateboard all over New York City in a straight line and obey traffic laws. All the while I am on a board which could travel 6o mph pointed down the right hill incline and exceed local speed limits but I do not. I choose. The operator decides. Machines never make the choices. Removing the right to choose is removing our freedoms to retain our privilege of choice. Those that decide to choose to drive recklessly no matter what vehicle they operate should have their privilege taken away. For the rest of us, please, let's not criminalize what is not a crime, skateboard commuting in a straight line while obeying traffic laws same as any car, motorcycle or bicycle.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Importance of SkateBoard Racing For Progressive "True Choice" Transit Policy
Skateboard racing (kicking with both legs on flat ground 5K-Marathon distance same as running) is a good way to educate the general public on skateboard commuting, especially those ages 10-18. Skateboard push racers will make life long urban, alternative transportation commuters.
Here is why.
Racing anything affords the participants the unique ability to press each and every gram of experience, knowledge and physical development out of themselves and each other. Racing creates a natural selection of the most effective and efficient means towards the end of racing. Turtle racing or racing to be the first to discover the cure of a deadly disease, simply drives interest with a greater focus to learn the inner most truths regarding the questions of how, what and why, of which one is racing towards.
Of course when the racing is over the residual consequence of the preparation remains. Turtle racing creates experts in the care, training and breading of fast turtles. Transport sport racing will create expertly skilled commuters possessing the most efficient way of transporting themselves on a skateboard, bicycle, ice skates, inline skates, skies or sail boats. Until such time as the entire work place design is structured with a shower at the point of arrival, with a locker for all, running will be out of the picture for most unfortunately. Although running has to be a consideration for daily transport and the world would be wise to implement progressive policy towards that end.
Considering the efficacy of the skateboard from all angles, economic, size, efficiency over half mile to two mile distances, skateboard racing and therefor skateboard commuting, is a progressive simple path for transport policy to follow.
The country would benefit greatly from having local push racing clubs much the same as it has cross country running clubs and programs in high schools and middle schools. There are 11 million Americans skateboarding in the U.S. today.
Photo©2011Peter Robertson/Susoix
Here is why.
Racing anything affords the participants the unique ability to press each and every gram of experience, knowledge and physical development out of themselves and each other. Racing creates a natural selection of the most effective and efficient means towards the end of racing. Turtle racing or racing to be the first to discover the cure of a deadly disease, simply drives interest with a greater focus to learn the inner most truths regarding the questions of how, what and why, of which one is racing towards.
Of course when the racing is over the residual consequence of the preparation remains. Turtle racing creates experts in the care, training and breading of fast turtles. Transport sport racing will create expertly skilled commuters possessing the most efficient way of transporting themselves on a skateboard, bicycle, ice skates, inline skates, skies or sail boats. Until such time as the entire work place design is structured with a shower at the point of arrival, with a locker for all, running will be out of the picture for most unfortunately. Although running has to be a consideration for daily transport and the world would be wise to implement progressive policy towards that end.
Considering the efficacy of the skateboard from all angles, economic, size, efficiency over half mile to two mile distances, skateboard racing and therefor skateboard commuting, is a progressive simple path for transport policy to follow.
The country would benefit greatly from having local push racing clubs much the same as it has cross country running clubs and programs in high schools and middle schools. There are 11 million Americans skateboarding in the U.S. today.
Photo©2011Peter Robertson/Susoix
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