I’ve been skating to work for the last fifteen years. At first that entailed skating down Broadway from 100th Street to 45th. I was a novice, but soon got to the point where I could see a co-worker entering the express subway station at 96th Street and yet beat him to the office. I typically skate in a tie, which I think makes the drivers behave a bit better than they would otherwise.
My current commute goes straight down Fifth Avenue, though sometimes for variety I go through Central Park and Times Square before cutting over. That route is particularly fun when there are crowds in Times Square to greet the arrival of a pop star to the MTV building. I take the middle lane and pretend the screaming is all for me.
In fifteen years, I have come close to being doored only once, and it was by a limousine. I turned back to yell at the passenger as he emerged from the car, only to see that it was Henry Kissinger. Then his bodyguards got out and I elected to continue on home.
-Michael Stern
I have been skating to work for the past 5+ years. At first I skated mostly on sidewalks. But as my skills and confidence improved, I switched to skating in the busy Manhattan streets. My commute starts at West 69th Street, continues through Central Park, and finishes on Park Avenue. I commute by skate 12 months out of the year and use older skates in rain and light snow.
Hi,
I am looking for a good pair of skates for city commuting in the Netherlands – We have great bike paths in the cities. What skates would you recommend? Training, fitness or commission?
Geoff
I myself “commute” to school most of the time, which reduces the time spent “on-the-go” by two-thirds, so it pays off really well. Can only recommend to anyone, who contemplates doing the same (If you don’t have a lot of stuff to carrie, anyway)
Geoff: Try any of the Fitness skates, depending on your wallet, I can recommend the EXO (I have one myself), or if you have a bit more money can only recommend the Moto (the ILQ bearings are just incredible! they work like a charm). Choose one which you like best from its looks, the K2 boots are extremely comfy, I don’t think you’re gonna have any problems on that part if you buy one with proper size for your foot.