The purpose of this chapter is to provide reasonable rules and regulations for the use and operation of skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, and coasters, and to establish areas where the use and operation of the same are prohibited for the protection, safety, and general welfare of the public in the City.

For use in this chapter, the following terms are defined:

1.   “Business District” means the territory contiguous to and including the following designated streets:

   A.   State Street from U.S. HWY 63 to Church Street.

   B.   High Street from U.S. HWY 63 to Green Street.

   C.   Church Street from State Street to Carleton Street.

   D.   Broadway Street from State Street to Carleton Street.

   E.   Main Street from State Street to Carleton Street.

2.   “Coaster” means a footboard mounted upon two or more wheels and controlled by an upright steering handle. This device is propelled by the user in usually an upright position.

3.   “Failure to maintain control” includes the operation of any of the described devices in such a manner to ramp, jump, or slide on or over any object or such that any of its wheels are intentionally not in contact with the ground for an extended period of operation.

4.   “In-line skates” means a pair of shoes mounted upon four wheels singly aligned and most often propelled by the user in an upright, standing position or kneeling.

5.   “Operate in a negligent manner” means the operation of one or more of the devices described herein in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. Examples of operating in a negligent manner include (but are not limited to) failure to obey all traffic control devices and failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

6.   “Roller skates” means a pair of shoes mounted upon two sets of wheels and most often propelled by the user in an upright, standing position or kneeling.

7.   “Skateboard” means a footboard mounted upon four or more wheels and is usually propelled by the user who sometimes stands, sits, kneels, or lays upon the device while it is in motion.

No skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates, or coasters shall be ridden in a negligent manner but shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator, other persons, and property.

It is unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon any skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates, or coaster upon any sidewalk in the Business District.

Whenever any person is using a skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates, or coaster upon any sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

Any person using a skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates, or coaster on any street such person shall:

1.   Observe all traffic control devices and be subject to all the duties applicable to the use of vehicles as required by statute or ordinance.

2.   Stay as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

3.   Keep all wheels of the device on the street and not ramp, jump, or slide the device on or over any object.

4.   Have lights or reflective materials for night riding.

Any person violating the provisions of this chapter may, in lieu of the standard penalty provided for violations of this Code of Ordinances, allow the person’s skateboard, roller skate, in-line skates, or coaster to be impounded by the City for not less than five days for the first offense, 10 days for a second offense and 30 days for a third offense.