Skaters, skateboarders banned from sidewalks on The Square

Starting Sunday, June 15, sidewalks and grassy areas around The Square will be off-limits to skateboarders, bike riders, and skaters.

"We love to see our young people being active, but they weren't being sensitive or responsible about it," Councilman Pamela Eaton said Monday night. "They almost knocked over a 90-year-old woman coming out of a restaurant, plus they tear up the benches doing tricks."

Adopted by the Washington City Council at its retreat May 14 and going into effect June 15, the new ordinance says that "it shall be unlawful for any person to roller skate, roller blade, ride a skateboard, or ride a bicycle on any public sidewalk or grass area located within the area designated as 'The Square,' which includes the portion of the commercial downtown district bounded by and including both sides of Court Street, Allison Street, Liberty Street, and Alexander Avenue."

The new law also prohibits people from roller skating or skateboarding on any sidewalk in any district "where the door of an adjacent building opens directly onto the sidewalk." Those sidewalks will be marked with signs.

While the full ban applies to sidewalks, the new law also prohibits skaters and skateboarders from using the streets in the same area.

Bicycles are still allowed on the streets of The Square. The new law only restricts bicycle traffic from sidewalks and grassy areas.

First offenders will be given a warning citation, and if the offender is a juvenile, the parent or guardian will be notified.Subsequent violations could be prosecuted as a misdemeanor.

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