SR-9A (8)
PCD:PTE:SF:RF:fb:skateres;WP51FB
city council Meeting, March 21, 1995
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MAR 2 1995
Santa Monica, California
To: Mayor and city Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Resolution to Prohibit the Use of Roller Skates,
Skateboards and Similar Devices with Wheels on the Third
Street Promenade, in Public parking Structures and in
Douglas and Lincoln Parks.
Introduction
At its meeting on July 26, 1994 the city Council adopted an
ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code sections 3.12.540,
3.12.590, 3.12.600 and 3.12.610 to prohibit the use of bicycles in
public parking structures; to permit the use of bicycles on
sidewalks and roller skates by public safety personnel; to
authorize the city council to adopt, by resolution, regulations
prohibiting or limiting the use of roller skates, skateboards and
similar devices with wheels in public rights-of-way, public places
and pUblic parks or sections thereof. The attached Resolution is
submitted for adoption to prohibit the use of roller skates and
skateboards on the Third Street Promenade, in public parking
structures and in Douglas and Lincoln Parks.
Notice of this
proposed action has been posted at the subject locations for ten
days as required by the Municipal Code.
Discussion
In recent years, the Third Street Promenade has become increasingly
popular.
complaints have been received from shoppers, visitors,
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the Third Street promena.. ~i ~
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community groups and merchants along
regarding individuals on skateboards and roller skates. The
Promenade is pedestrian oriented, and visitors do not expect fast
moving individuals to be passing close to them. Senior citizens
are particularly frightened and fearful of being struck by persons
on skates or skateboards. The Board of Directors of the Bayside
District Corporation has adopted a motion supporting the
prohibition of skateboards and roller skates on the Third Street
Promenade.
In the interest of public safety, the use of skateboards and roller
skates should be prohibited in our public parking structures. In
view of the potential conflict between moving vehicles and persons
on skateboards and roller skates, the likelihood of serious injury
is great.
In addition to the Third Street Promenade, there are congested park
areas where skateboarding and rollerskating are not appropriate.
The Recreation and Parks Commission is sensitive to the positive
recreational aspects of skateboarding and roller skating. Used
with proper equipment and precautions they are a healthy and
constructive activity for youth. Prohibition of skateboards and
roller skates in all parks could cause young people to use streets
and other more dangerous areas to enjoy these forms of exercise.
Nevertheless, there are certain park areas where skateboarding and
roller skating are not compatible with the nature and intensity of
other activities. Douglas and Lincoln Parks are used predominately
by senior citizens and parents or caregivers with small children.
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Commissioners, Community and Cultural Services staff, police
officers and park rangers receive frequent complaints about
accidents and near collisions from users of both parks. The
Recreation and Parks Commission has requested and supported such
restrictions since 1992. In addition, the painted surfaces of the
playing courts at Lincoln Park cannot withstand wheeled use by
skates or skateboards.
Adoption of the attached resolution would prohibit the use of
roller skates, skateboards and similar devices with wheels on the
Third Street Promenade, in the public parking structures and in
Douglas and Lincoln Parks.
Budget and Fiscal Impact
The recommendations in this report will not have any budget or
fiscal impact. Required signs will be funded under existing budget
line items.
Recommendation
It is respectfully recommended that the accompanying resolution be
adopted.
prepared by:
Suzanne Frick, Director of Planning and
Community Development
Susan McCarthy Director of Cultural and
Community Services
Ron Fuchiwaki, City Parking and
Traffic Engineer
Frank Barnes, Special Projects Engineer
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PCD:PTE:SF:RF:fb:resskateiWP51FB
city council Meeting, March 21, 1995
Santa Monica, California
RESOLUTION NO.
(City council Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA TO
PROHIBIT THE USE OF ROLLER SKATES, SKATEBOARDS AND SIMILAR
DEVICES WITH WHEELS ON THE THIRD STREET PROMENADE, IN PUBLIC
PARKING STRUCTURES, IN DOUGLAS PARK AND IN LINCOLN PARK
WHEREAS, the use of roller skates, skateboards and similar
devices with wheels in congested pedestrian-oriented areas
endangers pUblic safety and welfare due to the differences in
speeds between pedestrians and users of such devices; and,
WHEREAS, the Third Street Promenade and Douglas and Lincoln
Parks are congested pedestrian-oriented areas; and,
WHEREAS, the use of roller skates, skateboards and similar
devices with wheels in public parking structures is in conflict
with moving vehicles and endangers the safety and welfare of the
users of such devices, resulting in a great potential for serious
injury; and,
WHEREAS, public safety requires that the use of roller
skates (including in-line roller skates), skateboards and similar
devices with wheels be prohibited at the locations described
above; and,
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WHEREAS, Santa Monica Municipal Code sections 3.12.590,
3.12.600 and 3.12.610 provide for the regulation or prohibition
of the use of roller skates, skateboards and similar devices with
wheels at such locations upon the posting of a public notice at
the locations to be so regulated ten (10) days in advance of the
city council meeting at which a resolution to enact such
regulations will be considered; and,
WHEREAS, the required public notice has been prominently
posted along the Third Street Promenade, in the public parking
structures and in Douglas and Lincoln Parks for ten days prior to
this Meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The use of roller skates (including in-line
roller skates), skateboards and similar devices with wheels is
prohibited at the following locations:
A. On the Third Street Promenade between the south line of
Wilshire Boulevard and the north line of Arizona Avenue, between
the south line of Arizona Avenue and the North line of Santa
Monica Boulevard and between the south line of Santa Monica
Boulevard and the north line of Broadway.
B. In all city-owned public parking structures.
C. In Douglas Park and in Lincoln Park.
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SECTION 2. The City Parking and Traffic Engineer is
directed to install signage giving proper notice of those areas
described herein where the use of roller skates (including in-
line roller skates) skateboards and similar devices with wheels
is prohibited.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of
this Resolution and, thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be
in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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MARSHA JO~l~OUTRIE
city Attorney
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