Walnut : Rollerblade Ordinance

Rollerblade enthusiasts have persuaded the City Council that the increasingly popular sport should not be subjected to wide-ranging restrictions proposed earlier this year.

The council last week tentatively approved a Rollerblade ordinance that is markedly less harsh than one introduced in January and later abandoned. That proposal sought to ban in-line skating in city parks, set a 20-m.p.h. speed limit and prohibit enthusiasts from skating within 20 feet of shop and office entrances.

The new measure, forged by city staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission and a group of in-line skaters, allows Rollerblading in city parks except where posted, increases the speed limit to 25 m.p.h. and allows skaters within 20 feet of shop entrances as long as they are cautious.