Why skateboarding should be legal

It is not illegal to associate with skateboarders. It is not illegal to give someone a skateboard, and it is also not illegal to ride a skateboard.

Skateboards can be seen almost anywhere you go. They are sold in huge stores, like Walmart, in local skate shops, malls, and online. People can be seen riding them down the street to school and work, and carrying them in plain sight. But, if skateboarding is not a crime or an illegal activity, why are there videos posted daily on Instagram, YouTube and social media, of skateboarders having encounters, often unpleasant, with law enforcement, and security guards?

It is seen on the internet, magazines, bumper stickers, skateboards, and t-shirts. We have determined that skateboarding itself is not illegal, nor a crime, but why are skaters still getting in trouble for skateboarding? Why are we getting chased out of spots, having run-ins with police, and being confronted by pedestrians and property owners? While simply riding a skateboard is not a crime, there are things that skateboarders do, and places they skate, which are illegal.

We will look at some of these in greater detail:. Since the early days of skateboarding, trespassing has been a very common practice. In the s there were almost no skateparks anywhere, so people had to skate anywhere where they could, which may have included private property; trespassing seemed unavoidable.

Trespassing is illegal. Trespassing may not seem like a big deal to some, but for others, and people that own the property, it can be seen as a big violation of their personal space. While not always the case, trespassers may also vandalize or damage a persons property. Trespassing can lead to fines and punishment of varying degrees, based on the laws of the area, and the severity of the offense.

It is best to avoid trespassing on private property. The only way to get around trespassing would be to ask the property owner for permission to skate on their property. They may say no, but they may also say yes, and let you skate the spot. If you get permission, make sure you are respectful and do not damage anything. While it is not illegal to ride a skateboard, it may be illegal to ride a skateboard in certain places.

We know that skateparks are a legal place to ride, but what about other places in your town. You should be able to push your skateboard on the sidewalk to the mall, right?! You should be able to work on flat ground tricks on the street in front of your house, right?!

These are lanes that are exclusively for bicycle use. Getting hit by a car especially if you get hit by a car going 45 mph on a highway , is at least a little less serious if you have on a helmet.

If you are one of those people, you need to realize that should you ever want anything else — like another skatepark — from this community, chances are that you will have made it awfully tough for the good kids to get it. By disrespecting law enforcement officials, breaking laws and defacing memorials, you are getting yourselves nowhere in terms of respect.

I would also like to acknowledge the kids who are probably not so happy with me right now for totally ripping on the bad skater kids. I have a great deal of respect for the group of youth who are out there skating and staying out of trouble. She writes a monthly column.

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Green Skate Lab: Ward 5 20th St. This pool is another DIY project that appears to have no or very little public money supporting it. It is constructed of poured concrete on top of stacks of old car tires. This is a decent place to skate for beginners, and for very few people at one time. It is not accessible to anyone without a car, and is located in the wealthy and white Palisades neighborhood. Takoma Skate Spot: Ward 4 4th St. Banneker Skate Spot: Ward 1 9th St. An official DPR skate spot, Banneker is a bit smaller than Palisades, but is at least large enough for a few people to enjoy together.

The features are limited, but it is often illuminated at night. Union Market bowl: Ward 5 6th St. Another DIY skate spot, actually on private property, this bowl is constructed out of old pallets and plywood. However, the development of Union Market has made it technically illegal to skate here.

The real golden rail at Metro Center is capped and skateboarding is explicitly outlawed on the property. Capping rails, benches, and ledges sparks many questions about urban design and public space. Much like benches in parks intentionally designed to be hostile to people experiencing homelessness, features like this evoke a city built for downtown businessmen, rather than for the people who will naturally activate the space from 9 am to 5 pm and beyond. But looking at the big picture, is this urban design, or a get off my lawn suburban tactic?

Special thanks for help with the post from the DC skaters quoted, a couple who remained anonymous, and SkaterDad Will Chase. All images by author. What would Jane Jacobs do? NE This pool is another DIY project that appears to have no or very little public money supporting it. NW This is a decent place to skate for beginners, and for very few people at one time.

NW An official DPR skate spot, Banneker is a bit smaller than Palisades, but is at least large enough for a few people to enjoy together.