Proposal Makes Room on Road for Skaters

Speed skaters looking to train on local roadways may soon be protected by law.

A new bill sponsored by State Sen. Don Harmon (D-39, Oak Park) and under consideration in the Illinois House would allow in-line skaters to travel at speeds up to 45 mph. The proposal spells out that skaters aren't to impede or obstruct traffic, but to skate "as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway."

The proposal would also allow skaters to use designated bicycle lanes.

“In-line speed skating is a sport that requires some space,” said Harmon, quoted in an Oak Leaves article. “It also can be dangerous for high-speed skaters to travel on sidewalks with all of their cracks and gaps or to skate against traffic....I think we’ve found a formula that will improve safety for skaters without putting pedestrians or motorists at risk.”

Here's a link to the bill.