In my area, skating is very frowned upon. I simply want to know how everyone else feels about this topic.
I’ve never quite understood why skating or skateboarding is banned in certain public areas. I could maybe see it downtown where it’s crowded and a person moving at high speed among pedestrians would cause a problem (the same reason that bicyclists have to ride in the street), but in a park? That doesn’t make any sense.
I would’ve gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for those meddling kids!
You could always skate somewhere else.
If your locality has enacted ordinances prohibiting shating/skateboarding, it was most likely in response to injuries to pedestrians or complaints as a result of irresponsible individuals engaging in the pursuit.
While I’m generally not in favor of “micro-ordinances” like this, I see little alternative on the part of some lawmakers, given the potential for injury to “un-wheeled” pedestrians.
The bad ones spoiled it for you… that’s life.
–Kalél
TheHungerSite.com
“If ignorance is bliss, you must be orgasmic.”
“Well, there was that thing with the Cheese-Wiz…but I’m feeling much better now!” – John Astin, Night Court
Oh! ROLLER skating!
I thought this thread was about ice hockey players.
I can think of a few reasons:
*skateboards are very noisy
*it scratches rails and leaves black marks on curbs
*they scare the old folks, who vote
*skaters are usually minors, who can’t vote and therefore get no respect from legislators
*it’s dangerous, the city is liable
I don’t see how skateboarders going 5mph are more of a hazard than cyclists going 20mph. Unless a skate park or reasonable alternative is available, then the skaters should be allowed the same leeway as other human-powered wheeled vehicles.
Being an aggressive skater myself, I find it quite annoying that we are not allowed to skate in certain places, however, I believe that the local goverments should not ban ALL skateboards and especially rollerblades. What they should be banning is the destructive activities that these people participate in. Why shouldn’t I be able to rollerblade around the park?? As Lawmill said, a bicyclist (sp) is much more dangerous than a rollerblader. However, the parks should ban grinding on rails/curbs and other descructive activities. I started out rollerblading by using it as a way of transportation. Then I started to like it and learned tricks. I admit that I have damaged a fair share of curbs and rails, but also in my defense, most of these were damaged anyway. If you find a good spot to do your tricks, then most likely someone else has beaten you to it. So I end up on curbs and rails that are already ***ked up. Doesn’t make it right, but where else can I go? My firends and I started a petition in my city to open a skate park, and it had 3000 signatures, young and old people. But the city counsel said that it “just wasn’t feasible.” Interpretation: Costs more money than we want to spend on a bunch of kids.
Anyway, that my .02
-Strider
“Oh my God! Space aliens! Don’t eat me, I have a wife and kids! Eat them.”
Homer Simpson
Agressive skating should be banned because it’s militaristic and violent… ooops, sorry, just couldn’t snap out of the other thread… 
Skate where you would like, but keep in mind that your behaviour should impact others as little as possible, and do as little damage as possible to the public works. 
I used to do a little agressive rollerblading, now i’m more into skateboards. my city banned it in a part of downtown because there was damage being caused.
however, the mayor decided that it was unfair, and said that it would be legal until the skate park is completed. one catch, we (the skaters) have to raise half the money. we have had a few large donations, but most of the funding came from us doing demonstrations and giving concerts (quite alot of skaters are also in punk bands), we got more then enough money, and construction has started on the park.
Strider, if you want to get a park, this is the best way we could think of to get it. offering to pay for half shows that you realy want this thing, and will impress your city council.
eggo
My Web Page:SMITE WARNING it may offend you.
The university I attended had a big problem with skaters/skateboarders ruining steps, benches, etc. There was a gorgeous fountain and reflection pool plaza and a lot of other stepped terraces that were just perfect for tricks (especially when that fountain was empty). Unfortunately, they had to be refaced/repaired every year I was there.
Personally, I loved watching the skaters, but I can understand banning them.