Skateboarding Is Not A Crime BUT How To Skateboard Legally?

Skateboarding Is Not A Crime: Everything You Need To Know

It is always disappointing to put down most favorite things to you just because federal law doesn’t permit it. Such is the hobby of skateboarding. After the 15th of September in 1978, skateboarding wasn’t the same anymore.

It was banned almost everywhere around the globe. But why was skateboarding banned, and is skateboarding a crime?

Long answer short, skateboarding is not a crime! But there are laws to be followed as well to not get locked up.  That’s exactly what we will discuss here in the article below.

Why Was Skateboarding Banned?


Skateboarding is a sport that is extremely difficult to get the hang of at the very beginning. That’s when it becomes dangerous!! To skateboard on a long smooth surface takes a decent amount of practice.

Now take into account skateboarding on a rough, mazy, and traffic-heavy road where speedy cars travel every single second.

Why Was Skateboarding Banned?

It became a very popular sport right after it was first introduced by Bill Ricard in 1959, mainly due to how fun skateboarding is when you finally get the hang of it. As a consequence, parks, and playgrounds were filled with skateboarders enjoying their time.

It forced a minority of skateboarders to join the street to skateboard freely. And that’s when major accidents started happening rapidly. Over 10,000 children were recorded severely injured with a record 28 death in just about a year in America.

As a result, on the 15th of September 1978, a strict law was placed to ban all sorts of skateboarding almost all around the world!

The New Ruling on Skateboarding


Although I feel skateboarding will never be the same again, over the years, federal laws around the world changed to favor skateboarders to some degree.

Skateboarding is announced legal in very certain specific parks, also known as skate parks. But sadly, most states around the world do not host such a park.

The Legality of Skateboarding in The USA


Despite most states in America forbidding skateboarding, the good news is there are still plenty of places to go skateboarding around here.

The Legality of Skateboarding In The USA

But first, let’s talk about places where you should never go skateboarding. Skateboarding around there is completely illegal and could have harsh consequences.

Forbidden States in The USA


States with large, established cities, such as New York and Alabama, tend to forbid skateboarding as mega-cities such as New York or Alabama have heavy traffic, which could cause countless accidents.

Additionally, to prevent such incidents, these states have enforced harsh laws on skateboarding. So dear fellow skateboarders, it’s best to avoid such mega-cities for skateboarding unless the law around there permits it.

Penalty For Skateboarding


States that forbid skateboarding generally penalize any skateboarders on mainly three different levels.

3 Steps Penalty For Skateboarding

A. Warning 

Usually, if you have broken the law for the first time, you may get away with just a warning.

B. Fining

This is the most common form of penalty for skateboarding in the forbidden parts of the USA.

C. Arrest Charges

If the law is broken multiple times, you may as well be arrested.

The Legal States in America for Skateboarding


There might be very few states that legalize skateboarding in the USA. But luckily for us skateboarders, such states are spread out all around America. Because of that, we can access skateparks no matter where we live in America.

The Legal States in America for Skateboarding

01. Georgia

In Georgia, Skateboarding is legal. But there are a few specific rules to maintain here. So it’s always best to learn about your local laws before you may start skateboarding there.

02. California

California has always been the second paradise for skateboarders!

They have plenty of specially designed parks for skateboarding, also known as skate parks. There are also plenty of public places to permit skateboarding. If you happen to live in California, you will surely be able to enjoy skateboarding and unlock your potential to its fullest.

03. Florida

Even though skateboarding is legal in Florida, it is more widely known to mostly prohibit it. It is only available in very few certain locations. And strictly prohibits skateboarding on public sidewalks and highways. 

04. Illinois

I think the place considered to be heaven on Earth for skateboarding is Illinois. Like California, there are more than plenty of skate parks around to hone your skating skills. More importantly, it is backed up by the local Governor!

A well-known governor of Illinois, Governor Quinn, signed a law in 2014 that announced that skateboarding was legal on a lot of the public sidewalks in Illinois.

Yes, you heard me right. It is legal on a lot of the public sidewalks in Illinois! This is the only state other than California where skateboarding is legal in public places other than skate parks.

Rules and Regulations for Skateboarding


A few laws and regulations must be upheld everywhere we skateboard if we want to do it safely.

Skateboarding Rules and Regulations

I. Don’t Trespass

Trespassing has been an issue since the early days of skateboarding. Hence harsh laws were placed and are still active. So by no means trespass into public property.

II. Follow the Signs

Permitted areas have signs for skateboarding where you might be asked to not perform any stunts or keep away from park benches. Make sure to follow those guidelines.

III. Avoid Sidewalks and Highways

Skateboarding on roadways or highways is banned everywhere. And except for a few exceptions, it is also banned on sidewalks. So make sure to avoid them.

FAQs Regarding Skateboarding Is Not A Crime


In this section, let me answer some of the most frequent questions people have regarding skateboarding.

FAQs Regarding Skateboarding Is Not A Crime

Where Can You Skateboard Legally?

As mentioned above, mainly in permitted areas in Florida, California, Georgia, and Illinois.

Where Can I Practice Skateboarding?

In your personal property, as in your home’s backyard or skate parks.

Who Has Priority, A Bike, A Runner, Or A Skateboarder?

It’s hard to tell, as it differs from state to state. But generally biker > runner > skateboarder.

Can I Ride On A Private Road Or On Private Land?

Yes, if there are no pedestrians.

How Do You Skate Without A Skatepark?

The only option would be on private property, but there are states which permit skateboarding on streets, so do your research.

Conclusion


Just because we have to maintain a few extra laws doesn’t mean skateboarding is bad. Why would it? Skateboarding is not a crime! Rather it is as legal as any other sport or hobby if a few rules are maintained.

So don’t let anyone talk you out of your hobby dear friend; take your best stride to reach great heights in skateboarding. However, do stay safe on the road, and make sure you follow the basic rules.

So, don’t forget to have fun, and when we meet one day, we will skateboard together!

What Are The Important Factors While Purchasing the Best Longboard Bearings?

01. Size

8 mm bearings are commonly used. This size is perfect for the longboard bearing. You can choose the other sizes if they give you more comfort. But I will recommend you choose the 8mm bearing.

02. Type

You can get both the ball bearing and roller bearing around you. Most of the bearings are ball bearings. Ball bearings run faster and more smoothly than roller bearings. But ball bearings can not handle the load. In that case, the roller bearing performs well.

03. Durability

The bearing should be durable that can last a minimum of one year. You can increase its durability by cleaning regularly and running in dry places. Water and mud decrease their longevity quickly.

04. Performance

The performance of the bearings is the most important fact. If your longboard bearings are rough and run with less spin that will not satisfy you. Also, a smooth and fast bearing with noise will annoy you. So, check before buying if there is any defect in performance.

05. Precision

Precision is the exactness or correctness of the tolerance. The American manufacturers association uses ABEC to define precision. When the precision increases, the permissible range decreases. Precision is independent of bearing clearance. The higher the ABEC number, the tighter the bearing will be. Higher precision helps to move more smoothly and increase efficiency.

06. Lubrication Compatibility

Lubrication is a must before riding on your longboard. To convert your slow bearings into fast longboard bearings you have to clean them regularly and lubricate them. It will give a fast spinning movement.

07. ABEC rating

While buying bearings, you need to check whether it is ABEC-rated longboard bearings or not. ABEC rating stands for dimension. It only rates tolerances. Some ABEC classes are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. ABEC rating 9 is tighter than ABEC rating 1. The more the ABEC rating, the more the precision will be.

08. Engraved seals

Engraved seals prevent entering dust and other material inside. It also holds the lubricant inside and prevents friction. Most of the brands use rubber material for easy cleaning and to prevent the entry of water inside. While buying, check all the seals properly.

09. Price

Price is a big factor when buying anything. If you get a bearing with better quality at less price, then that will attract you the most. People mainly buy this type of bearings the most. Also, you should not follow the misconception that more expensive things mean better. Most of the famous brands are budget-friendly and careful about quality.

10. Brand reputation

While buying high-quality longboard bearings, people follow reputed brands. If the reputation is good then people do not hesitate to buy from the brand.

11. Warranty/Guarantee

If the brand provides you with a warranty or guarantee, that will be a plus point for you. You can repair the bearings if any problem arises at no cost within the given time. Also, the refund policy is beneficial for the buyers. You can change the defective set or can return the set with a full refund.

FAQs About Longboard Bearings

These are some commonly asked questions by people about the best bearings for longboards.

Is it worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings?

No, it is not worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings. More expensive is not equal to best quality. You can get a high-quality bearing within a suitable budget.

How do I know if my longboard bearings need to be replaced?

If the bearings start producing noise and are rough to run after cleaning, then you need to replace your longboard bearings. Also, the bearing will not spin if it is worn out.

What is the difference between ceramic and steel bearings for longboards?

The difference between ceramic and steel bearings for Longboards is durability. Ceramic bearings are more durable, smooth, and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, steel bearings are easily damaged by corrosive substances and are less durable than ceramic ones.

Can I lubricate my longboard bearings myself, or do I need to take them to a professional?

You can lubricate your longboard bearings yourself. )r if you have no previous experience, then you need to take them to a professional. But choose the right lubricant for the bearings.

Can I mix and match different brands of bearings on my longboard?

You should not mix and match different brands of bearings on your longboard as they are different from each other in size, shape, durability, and performance. Mixing different brands is unable to balance your movement.

Can I use the same bearings for both my longboard and my skateboard?

Yes, you can use the same bearing for both your longboard and your skateboard. The only difference appears in the case of wheel size. Otherwise, there is no difference between the bearings. But you should be careful about the dimension of the spacer.

Conclusion

Now it will be easy for you to choose the best Bearings for Longboards. You can compare the bearings and choose according to your comfort. I will recommend you choose the bearings which are performing well and have good customer service. If you still can not choose a perfect one then you can select it by brand reputation.

Also, choosing the brands which are giving warranty is the safest to pick. You can get these ten best bearings within an affordable range. Do not choose the bearings which are rated below ABEC 3. Below 3 ABEC-rated bearings have less tolerance.

About the author

This is Kyle Spinks from Butte MT, USA. A skateboarding expert and lover since 2019. skateupdates.com is my blog where I share my skateboarding life experience daily or weekly. If you're a beginner skater, I'll advise you to follow my blog daily.

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