2. Safety.

When skating on roads wear full protective gear including a helmet. Street skating is dangerous, largely due to the unpredictability of the surfaces and the reactions of other road users to you. Even experienced skaters fall over every now and then, so pad up and get a bone dome.

3. Dip your toe

Don't dive in at the deep end and try Park Lane as your first street skate. Build up to it. First try some quieter roads and take your time to get comfortable over a few weeks.

4. Keep your senses sharp

On the roads you'll have a lot to think about: tricky surfaces, oil patches, holes, vehicles pulling out, pedestrians, and of course the prince of darkness: the skater's nemesis - the taxi driver with delusions of road ownership. Be very aware of what is going on around you. Keep checking over your right should to see what is coming up behind you. After a while you will have senses like a rabbit, but always take care.

5. Stay calm if you run into trouble

Most road users are completely ignorant of the skater's right to use the road. Someone road users will abuse you, beep at you, while others will see it as their civic duty to remove you from the road, or better still try to run you over. But the truth is that you have the same rights and obligations on the road as any other user. You have to wear lights at night and you have to show consideration to other users even if they show none to you. If you encounter ignorance then try not to get angry. If words are exchanged then point out your rights on the road and move on.

6. Wearing reflective clothing is a good idea and bike lights are a must. You can also get lights for your skates and even lights in your wheels.