On the agenda for our August 13 neighborhood meeting is the proposed ban on skateboarding on certain streets. The meeting is 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Sylvan Fire Station, 1715 SW Skyline. Neighborhood Response Team police officer Hilary Scott will talk about recent efforts to enforce traffic laws against skateboarders, and Greg Raisman of the city transportation bureau will also attend. Hilary and Greg would like to hear neighbors’ views about whether the city’s efforts are working. Neighbors who are concerned about this issue are encouraged to attend the meeting.
There have been some positive developments recently on the skateboard front. First, a couple of weeks ago, the city finally posted signs, one at Knights & Fairview and the other on Madison Dr. by the reservoirs, asking skaters to skate more responsibly and quietly. Here’s what they look like. The plan is to install two more: one at the Goose Hollow Max station and one in the elevator at the Washington Park Max station.
Second, the city has distributed brochures to several skate shops that attempt to deliver a similar message.
Third, some of the skaters we’ve been meeting with have started to organize a group of “Hill Monitors”, skaters who will wear orange vests and attempt to engage other skaters in the neighborhood about skating responsibly.
Fourth, the police have started to mount targeted enforcement efforts. Note that these efforts are fully supported by the skaters we’ve been meeting with, Billy Meiners and JP Rowan. Unfortunately, under current law, the maximum fine for a skater is $25, while fines for similar violations by bikes or cars are $260.
Fifth, some of the skaters have put up a website aimed at educating skaters about responsible skating. It features a “Safety Huey” video, which sends a very positive message and appears to be getting wide circulation.
The City Council will again consider the proposed skateboard ban in the neighborhood on Sept. 5 at 9:30. We have invited the skaters to propose any compromises they’d like the neighborhood to consider prior to the Aug. 13 meeting. Thus far, they haven’t offered any.