NEWPORT BEACH : City Works to Form Safe-Skating Policy

Noting that banning skateboarding in one area tends to shift the problem to another area, Newport Beach police are working with city traffic engineers to develop a citywide policy concerning all varieties of skaters.

Last week’s City Council approval of a skateboarding ban on 15th Street followed an earlier ban imposed on the Newport Pier area.

Traffic engineers say that the bans are needed as temporary solutions to prevent skateboarding in areas where it offends neighbors, but that skateboarders tend to simply move to another area.

Assistant Traffic Engineer Jim Brahler said that the city does not want a citywide ban on skateboard riding, but aims to stop those riders who damage property and cause noise by riding curbs and performing other tricks.

“A lot of kids use them for going to and from school,” Brahler said. “We don’t want to ban that. What we’re trying to do is target the more acrobatic ones.”

A citywide policy on skateboarding might also restrict roller skating and in-line skating.