Roller Skating to Work
Yes, you read the title correctly! While you may think of roller skating as just for fun, just for kids, or just for exercise, with a few precautions, you may want to add the activity to your list of commuting options.
First, let’s take a look at roller skating itself. The first recorded use of roller skates was in 1743, when a Belgian inventor named John Joseph Merlin created a primitive form of skates with metal wheels that he used to entertain guests at a London party. Merlin had two crucial problems, however. He couldn’t control his speed and had no way of stopping, which led to him crashing into a mirror and injuring himself – not to mention the damage to the expensive mirror!
Not a very promising beginning, but better days were ahead. In 1819, the first roller skating rink was opened in London, and soon after, rinks started popping up in other cities as well. In 1863, New York City furniture dealer James L. Plimpton patented the first modern two-by-two roller skates. A far thinker, Plimpton founded the New York Roller Skating Association, promoting the sport as an acceptable supervised activity for young ladies and gentlemen. The first roller skating marathon was held in New York City in 1884.
Roller skating continued to evolve throughout the 20th century, with new designs and technologies, such as inline skates and electric roller skates, emerging in the 1980s and 1990s. Roller skating became an Olympic sport in 1992. The sport also became a pop culture phenomenon. Who remembers roller disco and the movie Xanadu?
Today, roller skating is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, both as a recreational activity and a competitive sport. Can we add commuting to the list?
The advantages are many. Just as with biking and walking, skating can be a fun and enjoyable way to exercise and get to work at the same time. An eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation, skating does not require fuel and doesn't contribute to traffic congestion or pollution. As an added benefit, the activity can help improve your balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health.
If you are ready to give it a try, you do need to take precautions. Roller skating requires experience and proper safety equipment. Practice in a safe area to learn or brush up on your skating skills before you attempt a commute and invest in a high-quality helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
Depending on the distance, terrain, and weather conditions, roller skating to work can be physically demanding and may cause fatigue or injuries. Plan your route beforehand and always check the weather before setting out. The best roller skating commutes are probably short ones! For longer distances, consider a multi-modal plan – perhaps riding the bus the majority of the way, then gliding in the last few blocks.
Is roller skating a safe, fun, and efficient commute option for you? Weigh the pros and cons, consider your safety and health, make sure you are prepared and equipped for the journey, and you may find yourself rolling into work!