Req 2c1 — In-Line Safety & Courtesy
In-line skating often happens outdoors — on bike paths, sidewalks, and paved trails — sharing space with cyclists, pedestrians, and sometimes motor vehicles. Safety rules and courtesy guidelines protect everyone in these shared environments.
Safety Rules
Always wear full protective gear. Helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are required every time. No exceptions, regardless of skill level or distance.
Skate on the right side of shared paths. Follow the same rules as cyclists: stay right, pass on the left. On sidewalks, yield to pedestrians.
Control your speed. In-line skates can reach surprising speeds quickly, especially downhill. Stay at a speed where you can stop within a safe distance. Beginners should skate slowly enough to stop using the heel brake comfortably.
Never skate in traffic. In-line skates are not street vehicles. Skate on designated paths, bike lanes, or low-traffic areas only. Avoid roads with fast-moving vehicles.
Skate with a buddy. Especially on outdoor terrain, skating with a partner means help is close by if you are injured. Let someone know your route and expected return time.
Check your equipment before every session. Inspect heel brakes, wheel tightness, bearing condition, and boot closure before skating. Equipment failure at speed is dangerous.
Courtesy Guidelines
Announce passes. When overtaking someone from behind on a path, call “On your left!” before passing. Give pedestrians especially wide clearance — they may step sideways without warning.
Slow down near pedestrians. Skaters move much faster than walkers. Slow to walking pace when passing pedestrians in confined spaces, near children, or near pets.
Yield to emergency vehicles. Move completely off the path immediately for ambulances, fire trucks, or police vehicles.
Leave the path for stops. If you need to rest, adjust gear, or check a map, step off the skating surface so you do not block the path for others.
Do not skate in areas where it is prohibited. Many parks, plazas, and downtown areas prohibit skating. Check signage and respect posted rules.
Official Resources
No official resources are listed in the requirements for this subrequirement.