Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

LA Cracks Down on Unsafe Skateboarding

Crouching 'bombers' to be fined $250

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 8, 2012 1:59 AM CDT | Updated Aug 8, 2012 2:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Los Angeles is clamping down on unsafe skateboarding by coming up with clearer definitions of what counts as dangerous. Under new City Council regulations, high-speed downhill runs known as "bombing" will still be allowed, but skaters will be required to be upright instead of crouching, reports the Los Angeles Times. They are also required to obey a 10mph speed limit when going through intersections, and must obey all traffic signs. Police will have the power to issue $250 fines to offenders.

Cops say the new rules, introduced by a city councilman after two young skaters died while hill-bombing, give them the authority they need to tackle reckless skateboarding. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has said he plans to sign the ordinance. The regulations won't be welcomed by skaters who crave speed runs, but they could have had it a lot worse, notes ESPN. An early draft of the new law banned all skateboarding on city streets, and gave police officers the power to seize offenders' skateboards.

An earlier draft of the law would have banned skateboarding on all Los Angeles streets.
An earlier draft of the law would have banned skateboarding on all Los Angeles streets.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
10%
8%
10%
10%
4%
59%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 19 comments
flatnosepete
Aug 9, 2012 5:57 PM CDT
I think they should just ban crossing the street all together.
Fondue
Aug 8, 2012 8:56 AM CDT
"skaters will be required to be upright instead of crouching" They just made 'downhill bombing' more dangerous. Idiots! Lower center of gravity = more stability.
HANKHILL
Aug 8, 2012 8:41 AM CDT
skateboarding kills people! ban it!
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne