HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-20; Parks & Recreation Commission; 1008-3; Update on SkateboardingPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB# 1008-3
MTG. DATE: 10/20/08
STAFF: | SANGSTER
UPDATE ON SKATEBOARDING IN THE
REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
INFO
ACTION
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive an update presentation on skateboarding in the Redevelopment District from the Police
Department.
ITEM EXPLANATION :
Captain Shipley will provide the Commission with a presentation on the history, status, and
potential complications with adding an exception to a Carlsbad Municipal Code.
EXHIBITS:
1. Memorandum Dated September 18, 2008 Re: Skateboarding in the Redevelopment District
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
September 18, 2008
TO: Sue Spickard
FROM: Captain Shipley
RE: Skateboarding in the Redevelopment District
The purpose of this memorandum is to present the Police Department
perspective concerning skateboarding in the Redevelopment District. This is in
response to the Parks and Recreation Commission interest in allowing
skateboarding city wide as a mode of transportation.
Carlsbad Municipal Code 10.58.020 prohibits skateboarding on any sidewalk,
public street, public parking lot or public property in the village redevelopment
district. This law was implemented due to complaints received about
skateboarding in the village area. The primary concern was the safety of all
persons using the sidewalks. My understanding is the Parks and Recreation
Commission is proposing an exception for transportation in the village
skateboarding prohibition.
The Police Department is opposed to implementing an exception for
transportation in the Village for two reasons; safety being the first concern. The
potential hazards presented by a skateboarder commuting past a business
entrance are at least as great, if not greater, than a skateboarder doing tricks
repeatedly in the same location. The shopper stepping from a business in front
of a 10 to 15 mile per hour skateboarder could have serious consequences for
both parties. Secondly, adding an exception would likely all but eliminate
enforcement effectiveness. Officers would be forced to surveil a suspected
skateboard violator long enough to be sure, beyond a reasonable doubt, the
skateboarder was not just in transit, even if he/she was performing curb jumps or
slides.
The village area, with business entrances immediately adjacent to public
sidewalks presents a unique situation not seen in other areas of Carlsbad. It is
the Police Department's position that revoking or diluting the village
skateboarding prohibition represents increased potential hazards for persons
enjoying the village area.