“Fun, faster than walking, and more convenient than a bike”: Skateboarding in a college town

Background

Vulnerable road users (those walking, or using bikes, scooters, or skateboards, for example) are common on college campuses and in college towns. As a mode of transportation, skateboards have not received much recognition, even as their popularity has increased. This study aimed to examine the perceptions and experiences of those who engage in skateboarding in and around a college town and its campus via qualitative interviews.

Methods

An interview script was developed to investigate the experiences of those who used a skateboard for transportation. Queries included reasons for using a skateboard, local perceptions, existing barriers and enablers, and past experiences. Responses were gathered via both one-on-one interview and hardcopy interview and were transcribed and analyzed for common themes.

Results

Forty-two interviews were conducted an analyzed. Participants shed light on several themes included reasons for using a skateboard for transportation; physical health and emotional well-being; feelings of accomplishment; and community connectedness (or exclusivity).

Discussion

The results of this study offer a unique perspective, as those who used a skateboard exhibited a heightened sense of place, community connectiveness, and accessibility, coupled with physical activity and stress relief. However, they found the mixed messaging present in the transportation landscape to be alienating, effectively discouraging skateboarding as a transportation option by making those using skateboards feel unwelcome no matter where they ride.

Conclusion

Skateboarding is not as visually or publicly supported by infrastructure and culture as are cycling and walking, unintentionally hindering the benefits of skateboard use. All vulnerable road users need to be considered in transportation planning. Where completely separated travel lanes are not feasible, shared travel spaces, or the redesignation of existing bike lanes and sidewalks for multiple use, might help overcome many issues that are rooted in exclusion.