Over the summer months, Central District officers will work to create greater awareness regarding skateboarding in roadways and on sidewalks, particularly in the State Street corridor. This follows complaints from downtown pedestrians concerning the riding tactics being used by some on skateboards.

City ordinance (12.011) and state statute (346.78) prohibit the riding of skateboards - and other "play vehicles" - on any city roadway: "No person riding upon any play vehicle may attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway or go upon any roadway except while crossing a roadway at a crosswalk." Play vehicles are defined as a coaster, skateboard, roller skates, sled, toboggan, unicycle or toy vehicle upon which a person may ride, but does not include in-line skates. City ordinance 25.29 further prohibits skateboards on the sidewalk in a business district.

Officers will begin the educational phase of this initiative by issuing warnings for any of these violations. This will be followed by an enforcement phase during which violators may be cited. Fines for the above offenses are $76.20.

The densely populated State Street area, in particular, creates a unique confluence of vehicle, bike, and pedestrian traffic. Through this initiative downtown officers hope to educate those who ride skateboards about the legal limitations and relevant safety concerns regarding riding on the street or on the sidewalk.