It’s hard to tell now, but Pittsburgh’s got deep roots in roller skating. We’re talking about the heyday for local rinks, iconic moves like the Pittsburgh Stride, and how a new group called the PGH SK8 Collaborative centers all skating styles, abilities, ages, races, bodies and genders. Plus, guests Dana Bannon and Rico Rucker have a thought or two about both pickleball and the future of the Homewood Coliseum.

In February, PGH SK8 Collaborative held an open skate at Velum Fermentation on the South Side. As skaters circled the floor, the Super Bowl Halftime Show streamed on the brewery’s TV sets. Imagine the excitement when Usher, a lifetime skater, and his dance crew snapped on skates and presented their choreographed roller skills to “Baby Girl” and “OMG.”s here

Rico Rucker uses a roll-in movie to inspire the skate community as PGH SK8 works toward opening their own roller rink in the city.

Inside the YouthPlaces building on the North Side, there’s a small gym that on Monday and Tuesday evenings bounces with up-tempo R&B music. The people there, a few dozen strong, range from energetic kids to flexible 20-somethings to dancing grandmas. Their activity is an old Pittsburgh cultural staple that they hope is back on the rise: roller skating.

Roller skating used to be so popular that post-World War II Allegheny County had at least 18 rinks. Only two remain today: the Neville Roller Drome on Neville Island and the smaller Eden Park in McKeesport. Among some enthusiasts and especially among the African American community, the affection for roller skating never died.

Based out of California, Wicked Skatewear looks to not only outfit local roller skaters, but make roller skating more accessible and safe for everyone in the community.

Pittsburgh used to be the home for over 20 roller skating rinks See thelist of current and former rinks.

Rico Rucker of Homewood submitted a proposal to the URA to revive the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum as a roller rink and bowling alley

Today’s roller derby is a heady cocktail of athleticism, attitude, and rock ’n’ roll, with a few good shakes of punk and camp.