Tyler Soukup, a sophomore in biology, grew up in Ogden and would sometimes skateboard at Weber State University with his friends. People around the campus would harass the group and eventually police would arrest him, just for skateboarding. Now, Soukup skates to class at the U and doesn't have to worry about the long arm of the law, their choke holds, and handcuffs.
Unlike most campuses and public city areas, the U allows skateboarding and longboarding. Students, for the most part, don't seem to mind the boarders and police are generally OK with the practice as long as certain rules are followed. The rules include: being cautious, giving pedestrians the right of way, not exceeding a speed of 10 miles per hour and not riding in buildings, on campus structures or over landscaped areas.
"Walking sucks," Soukup said. "I get pissed when I'm walking and think how much faster, easier and (more fun) it would be on a skateboard."
Many students take advantage of the U's skater-friendly routes to class. Sidewalks take you all the way from the dorms to any building on campus.
"There are ramps everywhere, you don't have to worry about stairs," said Jon Ramanujam, an undeclared sophomore.
The campus is also a safer place to ride, opposed to the streets in the Avenues or around the capitol, for example.
"The U is the best place to ride because there's no car traffic to deal with," said Devin Deaton, a junior in marketing.
Skateboarders and longboarders use the campus even when they're not headed to class. Why wouldn't they? They can ride any path through the university, end up at the stadiums TRAX station, take it back up to either Fort Douglas or the Hospital and repeat. It's not uncommon to see boarders riding TRAX at 11 p.m. to get a few more runs in. Whether you've been on a board since you could walk or you want to finally try it, everyone can appreciate what the U offers skateboarders and longboarders: a safe, fun and convenient place that doesn't carry the penalty of a fine or being locked up.
Original Source Daily Utah Chronicle, Jessica Dunn
Unlike most campuses and public city areas, the U allows skateboarding and longboarding. Students, for the most part, don't seem to mind the boarders and police are generally OK with the practice as long as certain rules are followed. The rules include: being cautious, giving pedestrians the right of way, not exceeding a speed of 10 miles per hour and not riding in buildings, on campus structures or over landscaped areas.
"Walking sucks," Soukup said. "I get pissed when I'm walking and think how much faster, easier and (more fun) it would be on a skateboard."
Many students take advantage of the U's skater-friendly routes to class. Sidewalks take you all the way from the dorms to any building on campus.
"There are ramps everywhere, you don't have to worry about stairs," said Jon Ramanujam, an undeclared sophomore.
The campus is also a safer place to ride, opposed to the streets in the Avenues or around the capitol, for example.
"The U is the best place to ride because there's no car traffic to deal with," said Devin Deaton, a junior in marketing.
Skateboarders and longboarders use the campus even when they're not headed to class. Why wouldn't they? They can ride any path through the university, end up at the stadiums TRAX station, take it back up to either Fort Douglas or the Hospital and repeat. It's not uncommon to see boarders riding TRAX at 11 p.m. to get a few more runs in. Whether you've been on a board since you could walk or you want to finally try it, everyone can appreciate what the U offers skateboarders and longboarders: a safe, fun and convenient place that doesn't carry the penalty of a fine or being locked up.
Original Source Daily Utah Chronicle, Jessica Dunn
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