Think about enjoying the best of biking and skateboarding at the same time. But how can you mix these two awesome activities? This guide on how to carry a skateboard with your bike will show you easy ways to move around. Whether you’re going across the city or seeking adventure, you’ll find smart tips to keep your skateboard bike rack method both cool and safe.
Key Takeaways
- Learn the essentials of bicycling with a skateboard without compromising safety or comfort.
- Understand different methods for skateboard transport using your bike.
- Get a step-by-step guide to successfully and securely carry your skateboard.
- Find out how to ride safely while ensuring your skateboard stays intact.
- Discover ideal places to ride with your skateboard in tow.
- Learn maintenance tips for both your skateboard and bicycle.
Why Carry a Skateboard on Your Bike?
Pairing cycling with skateboarding has great perks. One key benefit of biking with a skateboard is easily moving between different areas. This works well in busy cities or quiet parks. Carrying your skateboard on your bike trip makes things super efficient.
Think about moving quicker by swapping bike for board as needed. This switch helps in crowded places. You can walk with your skateboard in hand when biking isn’t an option. Skateboard transport options also promote good biking habits, like following path rules and protecting nature.
Looking at the available gear, there’s a range of skateboard transport options for everyone. From backpacks that hold your board to racks on bikes for your skateboard, these accessories make commuting simpler. They add versatility and improve your mobility.
The blend of biking and skateboarding, or the bike and skateboard combo, provides a neat solution. It’s perfect for cities and schools where you need to save space. Take the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, for example. They encourage using bikes and boards as eco-friendly transport, offering bike lockers and repair spots.
Here’s a quick look at the main perks:
| Feature | Bike | Bike + Skateboard Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast for extended distances | Fast with added flexibility |
| Mobility | Limited in congested areas | Easily navigates through various terrains |
| Storage | Requires dedicated space | Compact and versatile |
Using bikes and skateboards together doesn’t just make getting around easier. It also brings new excitement to city exploring. Whether you’re a student, living in a city, or wanting to save on gas and help the planet, a bike and skateboard combo can greatly enhance your travel.
Choosing the Right Method for Carrying
When picking the best way to carry your skateboard, think about the different options. The need for skateboard racks and bags is growing fast, with a market increase expected. Also, 60% of skateboarders ride bikes too, showing we need good board carrying solutions.
One good choice is the top skateboarding bike racks. They cut the chance of board damage by up to 70% while moving. These racks fit on the bike’s frame or back, making them handy and flexible. Check out this table for the best skateboard bike racks:
| Brand | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| YAKIMA | $60 – $100 | Durable, lightweight, frame installation |
| Thule | $50 – $90 | Rear installation, flexible mounting |
| SARIS | $30 – $70 | Adjustable, bungee cord support |
40% of skateboarders like using a backpack since it’s easy. A backpack keeps your hands free, perfect for texting or eating on the go. Skateboard straps spread the board’s weight, so it’s comfy to carry for long times.
To keep your skateboard safe on a bike, bungee cords or straps are best. Surveys show 80% of skateboarders do this when biking. Bungee cords must be tight to stop the board from moving, making it safer. Here’s what to do:
- Place the skateboard parallel to your bike frame or rack.
- Use bungee cords to loop around the skateboard and bike frame.
- Ensure the cords are tight to prevent movement.
- Double-check the security before starting your ride.
Using these methods can protect your skateboard and make riding fun and easy. Whether using a bike rack or a backpack, knowing how to properly secure your skateboard is important. It helps keep both your skateboard and bike in good shape.
Step-by-Step Guide to Carrying a Skateboard
Learning how to attach a skateboard to a bicycle can enhance your commuting experience. Here’s a concise guide to ensure you’re doing it efficiently and safely.
1. Assess Your Bike Frame
The triangular frame of a bicycle, below the seat and toward the pedals, is key. This is where you’ll secure your skateboard. Make sure your frame can hold the skateboard’s size and weight.
2. Gather Your Materials
For a DIY skateboard bike rack, gather bungee cords or skateboard straps. They vary in width from under 2 inches to wider versions. A sports backpack with specialized straps can work too.
3. Secure the Skateboard
Put one truck at the top part of your bike’s frame and the other at the bottom. Use bungee cords or straps to attach the board securely. This keeps the skateboard stable during your ride.
4. Test Adjustments
Make sure the skateboard straps are at the right height to avoid distractions. Proper installation prevents scratches on the skateboard’s trucks. Also, check the manufacturer’s safety and compatibility guidelines.
5. Safety Precautions
Always wear protective gear like helmets and bright clothing. Helmets are crucial because head injuries are common in skateboarding. Also, secure your skateboard with bungee cords for safety, and obey all biking traffic rules.
For more insights on skateboard safety, check out this comprehensive guide on picking and keeping up your skateboard. With practice, you’ll get comfortable with this setup and enjoy smoother rides.
Tips for Riding Safely with a Skateboard
Mixing biking with skateboarding requires careful attention to safety. Here are important safety tips biking with skateboard to avoid accidents and improve your rides.
Always have a helmet that fits just right and meets the ASTM F1492 standard. This rule is key for both biking and skateboarding. In New Jersey, if you’re under 17, you must wear a helmet for each activity.
Safe Kids International reports more kids aged 5 to 14 visit ERs for bike injuries than other sports. Wearing a helmet is crucial. Sadly, about 55% of kids don’t always wear one. Each $12 spent on a helmet saves society $580.
To bike safely with your skateboard, stick to these rules:
- Make sure the helmet fits well. The rim should be above the eyebrows. And, straps should make a “V” under your ears.
- Wear protective gear like wrist, elbow, and knee pads to guard against injuries.
- Regularly check your skateboard and bike. Adjust your trucks properly for safe steering and control.
- Keep a low center of gravity by bending your knees. This helps with balance.
- Practice how to stop smoothly on even ground. This builds your braking skills for all types of surfaces.
Choosing the right gear is important for carrying your skateboard securely on your bike. Your road bike should leave 1 to 2 inches of space across the bar, and a mountain bike, 3 to 4 inches.
Always check the place you’re riding for dangers like rocks or broken glass, especially if you’re new. Be careful in wet weather as you can slip more easily. Wear bright clothes for visibility and don’t ride on sidewalks where it’s banned. Use lights and reflectors at night.
With these safety tips biking with skateboard, you can have better and safer rides. Being ready and knowing what to do is the key to a good time.
Places to Ride with Your Skateboard
Urban skateboarding is on the rise. Cities in the United States are setting up special skateboarding paths. This is to support this green way of getting around.
In California, skateboarding is a big deal. People travel over fifty million miles on skateboards each year. Thanks to laws like California’s Assembly Bill 604, electric skateboards can go in bike lanes. This makes skating in the city even more fun.
Skateboards are great for trips less than 6 miles. But electric skateboards can go further, allowing you to zoom between 15 and 20 mph. Regular skateboards can go up to 10 mph. This makes them good for getting around cities quickly.
Before you go skateboarding, check your local rules. Some places don’t let skateboards on bike lanes or sidewalks. Yet, certain areas are more open. In Washington state, it’s not clear if you can use electric skateboards in bike lanes. That’s because the law doesn’t specify.
Looking for places to skate? Try college campuses and city parks. These spots often have paths where skating is allowed. Skating here helps you follow the law and stay safe. You can find more about where skateboarding is allowed here.
Below is a comparison of skateboarding laws in different states:
| State | Electric Skateboard Legal Status | Bike Lane Usage |
|---|---|---|
| California | Legal | Permitted |
| Washington | Unclear | Restricted |
| New York | Restricted | Not Permitted |
| Florida | Legal | Permitted |
Maintaining Your Skateboard and Bicycle
Keeping your skateboard and bicycle in great shape needs regular checks and quick fixes. Start with the skateboard wheels. They have 16 ball bearings in total. Servicing the wheels takes 15 to 30 minutes. If the wheels are noisy, use household oil after every other ride. But use bicycle grease if they’re quiet. Remember, too much oil can attract dirt and cause bearing problems.
For your bike, check the tire pressure and look for wear regularly. It’s important to tighten screws and bolts. This keeps your bike and skateboard together. Electric skateboards need you to watch the battery life closely. Overcharging can harm them. Check your wheels every 3 to 6 months. Store them in a cool, dry place to stop moisture damage.
If any bearings are missing on your skateboard, replace all of them. Don’t mix old and new ones. Make sure wheel nuts aren’t too tight or too loose. There are racks like the Richmond Minimalist or Trifecta Skateboard Storage Rack for storing skateboards. They hold up to 30 to 40 lbs. Keep your tools ready. Regular maintenance gives you a safe and smooth ride every time.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!