We are looking for input and guidance on establishing regulations for skateboarding/long-boarding on streets and sidewalks within the City of Salem

In response to issues raised by the skateboarding/longboarding community, the Public Works Department is working on preparing a draft Ordinance regulating the use of skateboards and other similar forms of transportation on city streets and sidewalks.  This Ordinance is intended to support active forms of transportation like skateboarding while making sure they are used in a safe and compatible way with other users of the public right-of-way.

 

I have attached a conceptual list of rules based on ordinances adopted by Portland and Ashland who have led the way on this issue. We would like feedback regarding the proposed list of rules. For example:  Is this the right list?   Should we add any other items to the list?  Or Remove or modify the list?  We feel your unique perspectives as users of the public right-of-way and your familiarity with the streets in your neighborhoods could help us draft an Ordinance that would best fit the needs of Salem residents. 

 

If you have time on your agenda and would like us to attend an upcoming Neighborhood Association meeting to explain and discuss the proposed new rules, please call me at 503-588-6211 x7352 or email me at jjohnduff@cityofsalem.net

 

Thank you for your help on this item!

 

Judy

 

Judith Johnduff, AICP

Associate Transportation Planner

City of Salem Public Works Department

555 Liberty Street SE/Room 325

Salem OR 97301-3513

jjohnduff@cityofsalem.net

503-588-6211

 

The City of Salem has recently adopted a comprehensive update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Elements of the Salem Transportation System Plan.  As a part of this work issues have been raised about the use of skateboards and long-boards as a means of transportation and whether they are allowed to operate on streets or sidewalks within the City Limits.  For the most part they are neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by State and Local regulations to operate on streets or on sidewalks.  They exhibit some of the characteristics of both bicycling and walking.  This lack of regulation has created an uncertainty for people who use skateboards and long-boards to get around.  Therefore, the City is working on establishing a set of regulations that will support active forms of transportation like skateboarding while making sure they are used in a safe and compatible way with other users of the public right-of-way.

 

Below, please find a list of regulations identified for inclusion in the proposed new Ordinance regulating skateboards and long-boards: 

 

·         Allow skateboarding on most sidewalks (except in the downtown core);

 

·         Allow skateboarding on streets with speeds that are 25 mile per hour or lower;

 

·         Allow skateboarding on all streets that are striped with bike lanes (would require skateboarders to use bike lane or sidewalk);

 

·         Require lighting at night;

 

·         Require helmets for riders under the age of 16 (consistent with State law);

 

·         Require skateboarders to comply with Oregon Vehicle Code requirements for driving, unless they are obviously not applicable;

 

·         Require skateboarders to yield the right-of-way to motorized vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians;

 

·         Require skateboarders to ride single-file;

 

·         Prohibit skateboarders from towing behind motor vehicles;

 

·         Prohibit racing by skateboarders on public right-of-way;

 

·         Require skateboarders to travel at the far right side of the roadway (except when preparing to execute a turn or to avoid debris in the roadway);

 

·         Require skateboarders to give an audible warning when approaching pedestrians on the sidewalk;

 

·         Require that people operate a skateboard in a standing position, and

 

·         Prohibit careless riding of skateboards.