LEGISLATIVE DIGEST

[Regulating Skateboard Riders]

Ordinance amending the San Francisco Traffic Code by amending section 100 (Ord. No. 300 –98) so that it no longer applies to skateboard riders; repealing a second section 100 (Ord. No. 385-98); repealing sections 100.1 through 100.6, which established a pilot program regulating roller and in-line skaters that has now expired; and adding a new section 100.1, regulating the riding of skateboards in San Francisco.

Existing Law

1. The San Francisco Traffic Code erroneously contains two sections 100 regulating the riding of coasters, skateboards, toy vehicles and similar devices. These two sections contain many identical provisions.
   
2. Traffic Code sections 100.1 through 100.6 established a pilot program regulating roller and in-line skaters that has now expired. Section 100.6 provides that upon the expiration of the pilot program, the provisions of section 100 are to apply to roller and in-line skates.

Amendments to Current Law

The proposed ordinance makes the following amendments:

1. Amends the first Traffic Code section 100 (Ord. No. 300-98) to apply to roller or in-line skates, but not skateboards, and to include a penalty provision, which is contained in the second section 100.
   
2. Repeals the second, duplicative, Traffic Code section 100.
   
3. Repeals Traffic Code sections 100.1 through 100.6, relating to the expired pilot program.
   
4. Adds a new Traffic Code section 100.1 regulating the riding of skateboards in San Francisco, which:
   

1. Prohibits the riding of skateboards upon roadways, as required by state law;
   
2. Prohibits the riding of skateboards upon any sidewalk in a business district during the business hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
   
3. Prohibits the riding of skateboards after dark without protective nightgear;
   
4. Establishes penalties;
   
5. And requires the City, subject to the availability of funds, to coordinate informational activities regarding this ordinance.
   

Background Information