Skateboarding: a Social, Economic, and Cultural Asset

Table of Contents

• Skateboarding as a Form of Physical Exercise
• Economic Contributions and Opportunities
• Social Integration and Inclusivity
• Urban Planning and Environmental Impact
• Counterarguments and Rebuttals
• Conclusion

Skateboarding: A Cultural, Economic, and Social Asset

Skateboarding got its start back in the 1950s, and man, has it come a long way since then. It's not just some pastime or an annoyance like some folks think. Skateboarding's actually packed with cultural, social, and even economic value. The idea that skateboarding deserves more love and space in our cities isn't just something skaters are shouting about. There's real proof that backs this up.

Skateboarding as a Form of Physical Exercise

A lot of people see skateboarding as just a hobby. But it's actually a killer workout too. There's this study from the American Council on Exercise (2018) saying you can burn between 350 to 575 calories an hour depending on how intense you go. That’s kinda like playing soccer or basketball! Plus, it helps with balance, coordination, and flexibility. All these are super important for keeping fit overall. With so many kids dealing with obesity and sitting around all day, getting them into skateboarding could be a huge help for public health.

Economic Contributions and Opportunities

The skateboarding world isn’t just fun; it's big business too. The global market was worth about USD 1.9 billion in 2020, and experts think it'll keep growing by about 3.1% every year until at least 2028 (Grand View Research, 2021). More people are getting into it, brands are hopping on board with endorsements, and it even made it to the Olympics! Building skateparks means jobs and boosts for local businesses too. And guess what? Areas with skateparks see less vandalism and petty crime (Dr. Ocean Howell, 2005). So there's a bonus to community safety!

Social Integration and Inclusivity

You know what's great about skateboarding? It brings people together. It doesn’t matter if you're rich or poor; anyone can get into it because all you really need is a board and a place to ride. This makes it awesome for cities where there's a big gap between the haves and have-nots. Plus, skaters often stand up for social justice causes which helps build stronger communities. A study by Dr. Neftalie Williams and Dr. Paul O'Connor (2020) shows how skateboarding empowers young folks, especially in areas where they're usually ignored.

Urban Planning and Environmental Impact

Cities could learn a thing or two from places like Copenhagen or Portland about planning spaces that welcome skateboarders (Borden, 2019). Having dedicated areas for skating reduces conflicts with pedestrians or drivers which means fewer accidents happen—better safety all around! And environmentally? Skating’s green as can be since it's zero-emission transport—beats driving any day.

Counterarguments and Rebuttals

Some say skating's dangerous or disruptive but hold on—it’s no riskier than other sports when you use helmets and pads properly while sticking to designated spots created just for it! Instead of treating skaters like criminals by banning them everywhere possible–cities should rethink their approach by investing in facilities instead–turning potential issues into chances for enriching neighborhoods culturally/socially alike!

Conclusion

The bottom line here is clear: embracing skateboard culture isn’t only smart—it’s necessary given its myriad benefits—from boosting health stats through exercise alone; generating economic gains via industry growth opportunities plus fostering inclusivity amidst diverse populations inhabiting urban settings today more than ever before—all while being environmentally conscious too! As we face challenges related not just limited towards improving quality life conditions across entire societies worldwide…the time feels ripe now perhaps even overdue indeed take action supporting/promoting what truly stands testament sheer potential humanity uniquely offers us each day anew... Skating included!

References:

• The American Council on Exercise (2018). Calorie Count Study.
• Grand View Research (2021). Skateboarding Market Report.
• Borden I., (2019). Skateboarding Cities: Urban Design Insights.
• Howell O., (2005). Community Impacts of Skate Parks.
• Neftalie W., & O'Connor P., (2020). Skateboarding: Youth Empowerment Study.