Skateboarding can be an extreme, fun activity, requiring very little equipment. With just a board, a pair of skateboard trucks, four wheels and a little bit of sidewalk, you can board to your heart’s content. It can even more enjoyable if you can find a local skate park to go to with some friends in order to perform some tricks, but can be equally enjoyable in a more peaceful, meditative way by simply riding around the neighborhood. And with all of the jumps, tricks and grinds that are available to learn and experiment with while on a skateboard, it can be an easy form of exercise to get you out of the house on a nice day.
Unfortunately, there have been some movements that are trying to limit the amount of skateboarding that can occur in certain cities. One example of this is in downtown Covington, Louisiana. This movement is setting up a contentious discussion in the area and it will be brought up at the next council meeting of the city.
The proposal that is being made in Covington is meant to make it unlawful to be riding on a skateboard “on any sidewalk within the city of Covington.” It also states that it is illegal to ride on a skateboard in “an unsafe or dangerous manner as to put himself or herself or others in danger of serious bodily injury or death.” It is expected that the Covington police would be the ones to enforce this law if it went into effect and they would be able to take the skateboard. Those who violated this law could pay anywhere between $25 to $100 in fines.
can city skateboarding be dangerous?
This has sparked an outrage among those who are skateboard enthusiasts and the discussion might get intense at the next council meeting. The law, which is meant to protect those who are not on the skateboards from those who are not using the proper caution, could really limit the freedom of those skateboarders who are being careful and considerate of others. So far the proposal has just been proposed in Covington and no discussions have been brought up yet.
Covington is just one of many cities around the country who are submitting such proposals. Many pedestrians are tired of almost being run over and drivers are frustrated with having to swerve for skateboarders who are always trying out new tricks or getting in the way in the streets. Many people feel that these laws are necessary in order to prevent accidents and injuries due to skateboarders.
Right now those who are causing the mischief on skateboards are a minority and could cause a lot of problems for those who are trying to be careful and considerate of others. The freedoms of these cautious skateboarders could be at risk depending on how the council meetings go in each state. If you would like to show disfavor for these proposals, it would be a good idea to show up and voice your opinion in your community.
