Council to consider ban on skateboards downtown
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on September 5, 2016 1:46 PM
A city ordinance would ban skateboards, roller skates and scooters from downtown sidewalks and city property pending approval by the Goldsboro City Council Tuesday.
City Manager Scott Stevens said the ordinance change seeks to clarify city rules, which officials already view as prohibiting skateboards and other faster-moving objects from sidewalks across the city.
"Sidewalks have been defined for pedestrian use," Stevens said. "They're not for another use. A skateboard is not a pedestrian use."
City leaders, in collaboration with the Goldsboro police chief, decided to clarify the city ordinance, primarily for safety reasons. The downtown area is identified specifically in the proposed ordinance, since it is an area with high pedestrian traffic, Stevens said.
"We're concerned with skateboarders running into people," Stevens said. "I think that potential is high."
The ordinance change follows more recent clashes between skateboarders and police. In August, skaters were directed by police to stay off the sidewalks, after downtown merchants reportedly filed complaints with police.
"There has been some confusion with it," Stevens said.
The amendment to Chapter 71 of the city ordinance includes new wording that identifies sidewalks as areas that provide a safe place for pedestrians. The ordinance defines the purpose of sidewalks to separate faster-moving traffic, like automobiles and bicycles, from pedestrian traffic.
Section 71.51 is recommended to change from "Coasters, Roller Skates and the Like" to "Use of Skateboards, Roller Skates, Coasters, Scooters and Similar Devices."
The amended section would outlaw skateboards, roller skates and scooters from downtown sidewalks in a defined area that is bordered by Ash, Elm, William and George streets.
"... it shall be unlawful for any person riding on a skateboard, roller skates or scooter to ride any such device on any sidewalk or on the premises of any municipal property," according to the proposed amendment.
Failing to follow the ordinance, if approved, could result in a warning or fine.
"I would expect officers to inform and ask those skateboarding on sidewalks to stop and if they don't stop or are repeat offenders, the code allows for fines of up to $50," Stevens said.
The ordinance is also proposed to include new wording that outlaws skateboards, roller skates and scooters from all city streets, except for delineated bicycle lanes, and on any city property, except within designated recreational facilities. The ordinance rules do not apply to bicycles, wagons or devices operated or used by anyone with a handicap or disability.
The ordinance changes are on the city council's consent agenda for Tuesday night and will be considered for a vote during the regular city council meeting, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 214 N. Center St.
The consent agenda includes 16 items, which are typically voted on at one time and without much council discussion.
A public comment period, limited to three minutes for each speaker, is planned near the start of the meeting and before the consent agenda is considered.
The council could also talk about items on the consent agenda during its 5 p.m. work session, which is held in Room 206 of the City Hall Annex, at 200 N. Center St.