On The Trail

IN THIS ISSUE...

• Publisher's Message
• Fast Cyclists
• Until Next Time

Publisher's Message

Welcome to the eight issue of On The Trail! The Inline Skating Center will publish ten issues of the newsletter from now until the end of October covering a wide range of topics about inline skating on marked trails.

In today's issue, we're going to introduce a tip and a tactic you can use to avoid cyclists when you're out trail skating.

Fast Cyclists

Cyclists on the trails can be a problem because of the limited space available on most trails for both cyclists and skaters. The faster they pedal, the greater is the potential danger.

Inline skaters need to remember that cyclists were using the trails long before we started to roll on the same pathways. So, in a way we are actually invading their turf, and not the other way around.

In light of the above, it is important to always remain in the right lane when rolling out or back on any leg of a trail. In this way, the cyclist who is coming towards you will always be in the left lane and out of harms way. The cyclist who is behind you and trying to pass is another story. Why?

Often times, it is difficult to hear cyclists approaching from behind and even if they have a bell, they often don’t use them. Therefore, it’s best to always stay in the right lane.

In addition, try not to swing your arms to far out to your side or they may end up in the passing lane. This is definitely something you want to watch out for since arm extension is a normal part of efficient and rhythmical skating.

When you need to pass a slower skater, walker, or jogger, use the following tactic to reduce the risk of colliding with a cyclist:

1. Always look over your left shoulder for any oncoming cyclists.
2. Only move into the left lane to pass once the coast is clear.
3. After you pass, roll your ankles and shift your weight laterally to your right side.
4. Return quickly into the right lane to avoid oncoming traffic.

That's all there is to it! Now, if only the cyclists would do their part and slow down when they approach from behind. If they did, the trails would be a lot safer for everyone!

Until Next Time

In the next issue, we'll look at a tip and tactic you can put to use to avoid both vertical and horizontal cracks on the trails.