OT - Why I hate British Pavements

Nicholas Jackson · OT - Why I hate British Pavements

Pavement (Sidewalks) in the UK are bloody awful, they use these energy sapping concrete slabs between 30 and 50 cm2. They are never laid flat and always expose an edge in a direct attempt to throw you onto your face.

Twice this morning was I victim of this scourge, luckily (or skilfully) for me when the board stopped dead I managed to land on my feet literally saving face. I need a specially designed Bennett to stop getting hung up on this product of Satan.

If not for skaters Councils, think of the old ladies who could trip over this rubbish and sort it out. For the record this is not a new thing pavements in the UK have been rubbish for as long as I can remember (35 years).

Sorry, Rant over.

Skatefurther Ben

Howdi dude, where abouts in the UK are you?

Belegnole

Pics or it didn't happen..

But seriously and out of curiosity what the heck are you talking about? It sounds like cobble stone or something...

Nicholas Jackson

I live in Chiswick, West London, roads and pavements are bloody awful.

Attached is an example of what I have to put up with, this is just a photo stolen from the web but it gives the general idea.

Skatefurther Ben

Ah, well london is its own seperate case, pavements are horrible in the whole area. Thats why i like the coutryside, you can just ride on the roads, which are generally quite smooth.

pavedwave

I hear you Nic! -- we have one really nasty mile long sidewalk in part of our upcoming ultraskate, for anyone who dares to climb the hill on Stone Way. i'll try to take some shots some time --

There are some places where the city just lets the roots turn the sidewalk into a Q-bert like jumble of squares jutting up at different angles, then they fill in the big gaps with asphalt (probably to keep the sidewalk "legal" for wheelchair access).

Skateboarding this kind of stuff really makes me more aware of the plight of people who actually have to rely on wheels to get themselves around the city...

Alec

Nic meet Ben, Ben meet Nic.

Actually you have met before, at Goodwood, I expect Ben was a bit pre-occupied re-converting his trailer back into a board.

Ben, Nic was the very tall fella on a Dervish.

Skatefurther Ben

yeah i thought that i might be the case after i read a few of his other posts elsewhere on the forum.

I do indeed remember Nic, if it wasnt for him giving me a nut bar and letting me draft him on the last half lap of the marathon last year i wouldnt have finished the race at all. As it was, Keith clawed back 5minutes on that last lap. It was a close thing. Thanks again Nic. Hows it going dude?

Belegnole

ok, that is some ugly stuff to ride on....thanks for the picture

Nicholas Jackson

Hey Ben,

I'm doing good, not too much long distance skating however I'm skating every day. Been skating lots of ramps and bowls also this winter, good to get a board fix.

How is the training going, are you up to try and break the 2hrs Marathon at Goodwood this year? I think it should be possible if that wind is not blowing, I think I am going to attempt it on the mermaid.

Nic

skatersjourney

I hate British pavements too. Although I am glad for their speed reducing properties when I'm haring through Plymouth sometimes. Sometimes I'm on a board too high to brake safely without flailing around so the change in surface can be good. The bumps however, oooo, they're little wretches.

I love skating country roads, but the risk of what's coming round the corner (knowing my brother and how he likes to drive coming out of our lane gate) is something that stops me fully letting go. Also I've experienced a few nasty falls during footbraking thanks to the camber at the edges of the road being conducive to my board going one way whilst my braking foot goes the other.

When I was in Idaho last summer, I stayed in a suburban residential area that was so perfect for longboarding I couldn't believe it. I was so jealous. And annoyed - I bought my Demonseed the week after staying there. I still had a great time in Vancouver, but these wide open sticky roads...they haunt my dreams!