New rules could affect how skateboarders ride through Portland - KPTV - FOX 12

New rules could affect how skateboarders ride through Portland

Posted: Updated: Aug 29, 2012 07:01 PM
PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -

A new ordinance is expected to go before the City Council that could change the way skateboarders get around the city of Portland.

The city wants to crackdown on skateboarders who use neighborhood streets for an extreme thrill sport.

Officials said they've seen more skateboard traffic in some of the West Hill neighborhoods and are concerned because some of the skateboarders are disobeying the law.

City leaders said that one of the areas they're concerned with is the intersection of Southwest Fairview Boulevard and Southwest Kingston Avenue.

Neighbors have seen many skateboard riders travel down the hill at fast speeds, running through the stop sign.

Under the proposed ordinance, riding a skateboard between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on certain neighborhood streets in southwest Portland would be prohibited.

The Portland Police Bureau also added some language that would require skateboarders to follow traffic rules on any city streets.

That change comes after officials said they were concerned that some skateboarders were violating traffic laws and veering into oncoming traffic as well as not watching out for pedestrians on sidewalks.

The new ordinance would also require all skateboarders to wear helmets when riding, regardless of age.

Some of the rules would apply to in-line skates, roller skates and other human powered device as well. 

The City Council will review the new ordinance at next the council meeting.

The council is expected to vote on the issue on Sept. 12.

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