“ Many veteran skateboarders say part of the problem is that the pastime has attracted newcomers in recent years who take their boards from shop to street without the skill or experience to navigate city traffic . In addition , they say , many of these riders use a type of skateboard known as a longboard , which is built for speed with a longer shape — typically 40 or more inches versus 32 inches — and bigger wheels than skateboards generally used for performing flips and tricks . “ It ’ s like learning how to drive a car in a Corvette ,” said Rick Sulz , the founder of the Web site nyskateboarding . com , which covers the local skateboard community . “ You ’ ve got this fast-moving skateboard dodging traffic , pedestrians and bikes , so it ’ s easy for newcomers to lose control .”
“ We don ’ t have people saying don ’ t bike ,” he said . “ Skate at your own level . If you don ’ t have the skill set , stick to the bike path .”
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