See ya Later Skater Boi’s

The Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) is the keeper of everything there is to know about skaters and scooters, including roller and inline skates, skateboards, and scooters, but not bicycles.  The word “skater” covers all types and their users of vehicles with small wheels.

Although since from 1 February 1996, the use inline and roller skates, roller skateboards and
scooters has been legal on most residential footpaths and streets and footpaths, this is provided only if the riders are wearing a helmet.  Skaters have the same obligations and responsibilities as pedestrians as they are classified as such and must take care when on roads and footpaths.

Skaters can not use their transportation modalities on or in:  roads with a continuous or broken centre line or dividing strip; roads divided into marked lanes for traffic going in the same direction; on-road bike lanes (although skaters may use off road bikeways); and
where the speed limit is more than 50 km/h. Does this seems madess? Perhaps the skaters should be required to get national crime checks before buying skateboards!!

In the event that skating is allowed on the footpaths but not on the carriageway of a road, skaters are allowed to cross directly from one footpath to the other.  Local councils have the authority to ban skating on designated roads or parts of roads and footpaths where there is high pedestrian or vehicle action.  One example of this might be near shopping centres. These areas should be sign posted or declared by regulation.  If you have questions, your local council should be able to answer them. 

Skating is allowed only between sunrise and sunset, not at night or during periods of low visibility.  Skaters should always have safety of those on the road, including themselves, top of mind.

In order to ensure safety, skaters should: observe all laws and obey all directions of police or local law officers; skate at safe, attainable speeds; and keep to the left when travelling on a road, or when passing a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.  If skating on a footpath, yield to pedestrians and stay to the left and avoid areas of high traffic.

Wear appropriate, brightly coloured, protective clothing, and accessories − elbow and knee pads, long pants, and do not skate in wet weather, dusty or foggy conditions.

It is extremely important to take extra care near nursing and senior citizens’ homes; retirement villages; child parent centres, as well as facilities for people with disabilities and hospitals.

Skaters must give a verbal warning of their approach when on a bikeway or footpath.  Even if controlled by a signal, always remember to Stop, Look, and Listen at a road or railway crossing.  Never ride alongside a vehicle or let a vehicle tow you on any skating device.