New restrictions could be in store for skateboarders in Vacaville after a city commission's ruling Tuesday night. By a 5-1 vote, the Community Services Commission backed a proposed ordinance, which would bar skateboards from some sections of sidewalk and other areas where they could compromise the safety of pedestrians. Commissioner Katherine Jordan cast the dissenting vote.
City code already prohibits bicycle riding in front of schools, stores or "buildings used for business purposes," according to a city staff report. The Vacaville Business Improvement District has asked for similar restrictions on skateboarding, the report explained, as businesses have reported safety hazards like near-miss collisions between walkers and skateboarders.
Also according to the report, there was a need to revise and update existing city code to "address contemporary skateboarding issues" and to include facilities that were not around or not problematic when the rules were adopted.
If the City Council adopts the ordinance, skateboarding would not be allowed at the city's three community centers, Town Square, the transit plaza, in park-and-ride lots, on sidewalks in business districts, and in parks unless on a path or a road. The city manager could also ban skateboards from sidewalks and walkways adjacent to businesses if he finds that is necessary to ensure public safety.
Arguing against the ordinance, resident Mike Lee said "I think it's not public safety, its a lack of tolerance that brought this on." Lee's son, 14-year-old Taylor, said sidewalks "are much better for beginners" than the city's skate park.
Frank Chavez, whose children are avid skateboarders, said, "I do understand the city's concern for the safety of the public." However, he and Lee questioned whether there were sufficient facilities in the city to accommodate its skateboarding population.
"Depending on the enforcement, I think you're going to have a lot of frustrated teenagers," Chavez said.
Commission Chair Pamela Greaves said if skateboarders are using the sidewalks to recreate, they need to find a more appropriate place. Like Goldberg, she emphasized that "the ordinance is not to ban skateboarding everywhere."
The proposal will be forwarded to the City Council with the commission's endorsement.
Original Source: The Vacaville Reporter, Jennifer Gentile
City code already prohibits bicycle riding in front of schools, stores or "buildings used for business purposes," according to a city staff report. The Vacaville Business Improvement District has asked for similar restrictions on skateboarding, the report explained, as businesses have reported safety hazards like near-miss collisions between walkers and skateboarders.
Also according to the report, there was a need to revise and update existing city code to "address contemporary skateboarding issues" and to include facilities that were not around or not problematic when the rules were adopted.
If the City Council adopts the ordinance, skateboarding would not be allowed at the city's three community centers, Town Square, the transit plaza, in park-and-ride lots, on sidewalks in business districts, and in parks unless on a path or a road. The city manager could also ban skateboards from sidewalks and walkways adjacent to businesses if he finds that is necessary to ensure public safety.
Arguing against the ordinance, resident Mike Lee said "I think it's not public safety, its a lack of tolerance that brought this on." Lee's son, 14-year-old Taylor, said sidewalks "are much better for beginners" than the city's skate park.
Frank Chavez, whose children are avid skateboarders, said, "I do understand the city's concern for the safety of the public." However, he and Lee questioned whether there were sufficient facilities in the city to accommodate its skateboarding population.
"Depending on the enforcement, I think you're going to have a lot of frustrated teenagers," Chavez said.
Commission Chair Pamela Greaves said if skateboarders are using the sidewalks to recreate, they need to find a more appropriate place. Like Goldberg, she emphasized that "the ordinance is not to ban skateboarding everywhere."
The proposal will be forwarded to the City Council with the commission's endorsement.
Original Source: The Vacaville Reporter, Jennifer Gentile
No comments:
Post a Comment