Posted by Jes' Sayin', a resident of the Blossom Valley neighborhood, on May 31, 2012 at 2:50 pm

Skateboards are also illegal in the downtown area.

Posted by Steve, a resident of the Jackson Park neighborhood, on May 31, 2012 at 8:11 pm

"Skateboards are also illegal in the downtown area."

As they are in most downtowns. That law makes sense. There are too many pedestrians downtown on narrow sidewalks to make skate boarding a safe activity there. Likewise with bikes on downtown sidewalks.

Posted by Roger Brown, a resident of another community, on Jun 2, 2012 at 11:31 am

Yes, downtown sidewalks are one thing and this includes bicycles and skating of all kinds, etc. No problem with that regulation and this is not about that.

But this issue is on multiple use trails built for the purpose of getting people out of the downtown and out into the parks to enjoy them and get some physical activity. This is the sort of skateboarding that would be done on a trail such as the Bay Trail:

- Web Link

Sunnyvale's take on skateboards:

- Web Link

"In-line skating and skateboarding are considered positive recreational pursuits; safe, courteous in-line skating and skateboarding are welcomed throughout the City of Sunnyvale park system."

And Palo Alto:

- Web Link

"R1-18. BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLER SKATES

A. Bicycles are prohibited on unpaved trails of Foothills Park. Skateboards, roller skates or blades,

or other coasting devices are prohibited in Foothills Park.

B. Bicycles are prohibited on unpaved trails of open space parks and preserves, unless designated for bike access within the Pearson-Arastradero and Baylands Preserves. Skateboards, roller skates or blades, or other coasting devices are prohibited in open space parks and preserves, except on paved, multi-use bike paths.

E. No person shall leave a bicycle, scooter or skateboard in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it."

Is there that much of a difference in people in Mountain View compared to Sunnyvale or Palo Alto that "skateboards" need to be banned on the Bay Trail in Mountain View but are welcomed in Sunnyvale and Palo Alto? I've lived in Mountain View and Sunnyvale in the past and I did not notice I changed when I moved from city to city.

Posted by gcoladon, a resident of the North Whisman neighborhood, on Jun 2, 2012 at 3:18 pm
gcoladon is a member (registered user) of Mountain View Online

Roger, I'm surprised you didn't include a link to your petition in your post, in which you provided three other links.

Everyone should go sign Roger's petition here: Web Link