Community Outreach

Trail Development

ICBers are involved with many of the "Rails to Trails" efforts around New England and actively support legislation that would provide enhanced funding for multipurpose trails. Through ICB participation on committees and task forces, we seek to ensure that new trails are planned with skaters' needs taken into account. We also donate money directly to trail efforts.

Benefits and Fund-Raising

The ICB has helped to create, organize, and publicize a variety of fund-raising skating events. For example, ongoing work with the In-Line Against AIDS (ILAA) pledge skate helped to make it a successful annual event that raised money for HIV/AIDS research and support organizations, raising more than $50,000 in 1994 and 1995.

Inline Skate '96

In the summer of 1996, ILAA evolved into the Inline Skate '96 pledge skate to benefit the Cam Neely Foundation. The Foundation is building The Neely House at the New England Medical Center to support and assist cancer patients and their families during treatment.

Women's Inline Skate Happening

In 1998, Women's Inline Skate Happening (WISH) raised funds for breast cancer research. Other fund-raising events include the Salem, N.H., SalemFest Day, which supports the Field of Dreams park and community center; InLine for a Cure, which raises funds for leukemia; and the Tour de Carroll, which supports the Carroll Center for the Blind.

Education and Safety

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Medical Society, in 1995 the ICB produced On Your Left, a skate-safety flier. More than 100,000 of these brochures have been distributed through schools, hospitals, and doctor's offices throughout the Bay State. The brochure received national attention in medical and skating-industry publications. In 1997 the ICB teamed up with Ride and Roll Safely, Inc. to produce "Gear Up, Skate Safe," a skating tips card sponsored by the Massachusetts Governor's Highway Safety Bureau. These cards are being distributed through schools and safety programs.