LAGUNA BEACH : Bicycle, Skateboard Rules Eased by Council

Skates, skateboards and bicycles will be allowed on some city sidewalks beginning April 20. But they will remain banned from the Main Beach boardwalk, city parks and the central business district.

The revised law, approved by a 4-1 vote of the City Council last week, will not require skaters or bicyclists to wear protective gear.

One council member said the action represents the “decriminalization of skateboarding” in Laguna Beach. The city is also exploring a possible skateboarding park.

At present, skateboards, bicycles and skates are allowed only on city streets, an option some believe is unsafe.

Council members were divided on whether the city should require the wearing of protective gear such as helmets.

Without such a requirement, some officials said, the city will be more vulnerable legally if a skateboarder is injured.

In a memo to the council, Police Chief Neil J. Purcell Jr. said the safety gear requirement “would assist the city in defending against potential claims by skateboarders or skaters who are injured while using city streets or sidewalks and who allege that the street or sidewalk was in a dangerous condition.”

In recent months, skateboarders have lobbied the city for more freedom to enjoy their sport, asking for both a skateboard park and the loosening of the city law governing such activities.

In the past, pedestrians have been struck by skateboarders, causing injuries, Purcell said. However, he encouraged the council to find a compromise that balances the rights of skateboarders and pedestrians.

According to the new law, skaters must still yield the right of way to pedestrians when using sidewalks.