Northridge : CSUN Allows Skates for Getting Around

Officially, in-line skates are banned at Cal State Northridge, but due to campus renovations and changes in parking that make it harder for students to get to class since the Northridge earthquake, university police are now allowing their use.

“Students have farther to travel than before,” said University Police Lt. Mark Hissong, adding that campus police have had to admit to the realities of crossing campus. “We’ve been more lenient.”

“I park at Reseda and Nordhoff and skate in,” said Caleb Gilbert, 22, a junior on his way to a physical education class.

“I love it,” said Robin Kinmont, 31, of Malibu, using in-line skates to get to a pre-calculus test on time. “It’s great exercise.”

The skates, often referred to by the brand name Rollerblades, are more convenient than bicycles, said David Hughes, a 19-year-old transfer student from the University of Massachusetts. Skates do not need to be locked up outside, he added. Just carry a pair of sandals in your backpack to change into before going into class.

“You can leave your house later, get up later,” Hughes said. “When I walk to class, I’m usually late.”

Kurt Hadley, a 19-year-old from Minnesota who has been ice skating since he was 5, skates to classes. But, he noted, sometimes sidewalk crowds get in the way.

“They don’t look out for you,” said Hadley, who recently skidded and scraped his knee when some people did not see him. His wheels caught in the cracks that divide the pavement and caused the slide.

Hissong cautions skaters to be careful, especially because of the ongoing construction on campus. And, because skates are quieter, skaters may quickly come upon people from behind, offering little warning. In addition, he said, there is a large population of hearing-impaired students who may not hear a warning.

So far, Hissong said, university police know of no serious accidents involving skaters on campus. If there are accidents, he said, the school may have to consider tightening the policy.