Skateboarding on the streets of Phnom Penh

newkidontheblock · Post by **newkidontheblock** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 12:59 pm

On the way to Buffalo Sister, there was a young barang, maybe in his late teens, early twenties. Tee shirt, shorts, riding a skateboard in the middle of street at Toul Tom Pong. No helmet, no knee pads, no hand gloves, holding a bag of food in one hand.

I fear that this guy will be the next CEO news story. Then, a go fund me page for medical care, emergency transport, funeral expenses soon to follow.

It’s hard enough walking the streets of Phnom Penh without getting run over. It’s hard enough skateboarding without falling and getting serious scrapes.

Why do some Barang want to tempt fate so badly?

Cricket99 · Post by **Cricket99** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 1:11 pm

Would you say the same thing about someone riding a bicycle? There are plenty of barang and khmer skateboarders in PP, never once seen an accident, seriously. It's not that difficult, much safer than the people who get drunk then drive around on their scooters with no helmets which I see daily (or nightly), khmer and all types of foreigners.

Chouka · Post by **Chouka** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 1:16 pm

Totally agree with cricket99.
Never heard about Skateistan?
You should have a look to what they are doing...
https://www.skateistan.org/location/cambodia

explorer · Post by **explorer** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 1:18 pm

In Kampong Cham someone rides something like this on the streets.

In Phnom Penh, because you have to walk on the road, I prefer to ride a bicycle. If the person is sensible, I dont see a problem with riding a skateboard.

bittermelon · Post by **bittermelon** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 1:34 pm

explorer wrote: ↑Wed Aug 07, 2019 1:18 pm
In Phnom Penh, because you have to walk on the road, I prefer to ride a bicycle. If the person is sensible, I don't see a problem with riding a skateboard.

I'm with you on this explorer, sometimes I even feel like biking is safer as you can accelerate out of trouble and you can go at the same speed as the traffic- whereas walking on the side you're in another lane that there's no room for and at risk of getting clipped from behind. Also while you are way down the pecking order you're still one above the pedestrian. Easier to avoid being cornered at night by lady-boys too.