Policymakers often wish to promote 'green' travel and 'healthy exercise'
modes such as walking and cycling. But what about roller skates, scooters
and skateboards? Could they play a greater role in providing mobility and
exercise for children (and others)? If public authorities provided more and
better routes and spaces for them, might these modes be used more? Or are
they a nuisance, a danger to their users and others?

The use of skates, scooters and skateboards is not necessarily picked up in
conventional traffic monitoring or travel surveys.

Does anyone know of any existing research findings on:
- Ownership of rollerskates, scooters, and skateboards?
- Who uses these, where, how far, when, and why (not)?
- Public route infrastructure provided for these modes?
- Is there any evidence of suppressed demand?
- Is there any evidence of health benefits versus accident danger?

This enquiry is part of research into Children's Activities, Perceptions
and Behaviour in the Local Environment (CAPABLE). For further information
(and publication of findings in due course) see:

http://www.casa.ucl.ac.uk/capableproject/

thanks

Stephen Marshall


Dr Stephen Marshall
Senior Lecturer
Bartlett School of Planning
University College London
Wates House
22 Gordon Street
London WC1H 0QB
Tel: 0 (44) 20 7679 4884
Fax: 0 (44) 20 7679 7502