Skateboarders get the boot by town council

Ledger Staff Writer

Note to Blacksburg's skateboarding youth: Don't ride within the town's business district or risk losing your wheels and rolling right into court.

The Blacksburg Town Council passed a second reading Tuesday of an ordinance banning skateboarding, roller skating, roller blading, or using any other similar wheeled device within certain areas of the town. The Blacksburg Police Department can now enforce the ordinance.

Those wheeled devices are no longer allowed to be used on any street, sidewalk, curb or right-of-way along Hwy. 29 between Calles and York streets; along Lime Street between Chester and York streets; along Church Street between Chester and York streets; and all areas included within those streets.

Council members, police officers and Mayor David Hogue had all expressed concerns about the safety of skateboarders as well as pedestrians. An issue of liability also concerned town council.

The ordinance also states that a person on a skateboard, or other wheeled device, must exercise care for the safety of other people using the road or sidewalk.

Those in violation of the ordinance face the seizure of their property, such as the skateboard, by police. The skateboard, or other device, can be returned after a court order. On a second violation, the property can be forfeited to the town.

After a third violation, the person faces a maximum fine of $50 and a misdemeanor conviction. Any subsequent convictions can lead to fines of up to $500 and 30 days in jail.

Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham said his department would give warnings for initial violations and record those incidents at the department. He said parents would also be notified if a violation involved a juvenile.