Scan, Interpret, Predict, Decide, Execute

In addition to knowing how to skate forward, stop and turn, skaters need to be aware of the potential hazards of the sport and to understand and be able to apply safe skating behavior and personal protective equipment to counter those hazards. Skating injuries can result from a variety of causes; some of the more common are:

  • Losing control on a downhill
  • Not stopping sufficiently before an intersection
  • Colliding with another person—skater, cyclist, or pedestrian
  • Slipping on a sandy, wet, or oily spot
  • Falling after hitting a rock, stick, or other debris
  • Losing balance spontaneously

Published studies of skating injuries have shown that:

  • Wrist injuries are the most common (more than 30% of all skating injuries)
  • Another 30% of skating injuries are to the lower leg, ankle, knee, or elbow
  • About 17% are to the face and head

The best way to avoid injury is to skate safe—skate smart. In addition to teaching basic trail etiquette and providing a common set of ground rules (see On Your Left), the InLine Club of Boston promotes a philosophy of safe skating where skaters take responsibility for their own actions and choose to skate safely. The Club uses the SIPDE framework developed by the Motorcycle Safe Riding Foundation:

  • Scan: Be aware of the situation around you, keep your head up
  • Interpret: Understand what might happen
  • Predict: Based on your awareness, predict how the situation around you will evolve—is a dangerous event possible? What if something unusual happens?
  • Decide: Decide how you need to respond to avoid injury
  • Execute: Do it.

SIPDE is all about anticipation and having time (and skating skills) to be able to make an evasive maneuver. Understanding what the potential hazards are in a situation can help you proactively avoid potential conflicts with other trail users.