| The following are letters I received when I attended the San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Mar15, 2005. They are in opposition to the new skateboard laws. |
| SENIOR ACTION NETWORK 965 Mission Street, Suite 705 * San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone 546-1333 * Fax 546-1344 * www.SeniorActionNetwork.org March 11, 2005 Honorable Aaron Peskin Re: Opposition to Skateboard Deregulation Dear Supervisor Peskin: Senior Action Network vigorously and staunchly opposes the Land Use Committee's recommendation of proposed legislation [ File # 041745 ] that would allow unlimited skateboard riding on residential sidewalks, while banning even children from roller-skate use on sidewalks. We were not informed of the hearing, or the legislation, nor was Walk San Francisco nor any other Senior or Disabled organization that we know of. For the life of us, we were aghast to hear the Land Use Committee sent it forward. Where is your sensitivity to the needs of seniors and the disabled? SAN thought the hazards and problems for seniors, the disabled, and parents of toddlers and babies in strollers were so obvious we wouldn't have to spend our precious time organizing press conferences, demonstrations, and attendance at yet another committee hearing just to kill another bad idea. The very fact SAN didn't come out to this hearing ought to have stirred the curiosity of Land Use Supervisors and their staffs as to why we were absent on an issue of legislation that allows for greater hazards to pedestrians. Further, it's obvious to SAN that passage of this legislation can make.the city potentially liable in any personal injury lawsuits - and a MUCH more attractive defendant than any individual skateboarder. Is there a crushing new need to deregulate skateboards in San Francisco? Do we really want to open up that can of worms? Is there a skateboard lobby that you are hearing from? Do your district neighborhood organizations know that skateboards would be allowed on sidewalks day and night in residential neighborhoods? Since this legislation is already on your 15 March calendar, we have no choice other than to urge you to simply say NO to it. It's too risky to try to refer it back to committee for any amendments, since it's a dangerous idea to begin with. Sincerely, Bill Price President, SAN Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director Bob Planthold, Chair, Pedestrian Safety Committee Jeanne Lynch Richmond Neighbor Shirley Bierly Senior Power |
Mayor's Office on Disability Gavin Newsom, Mayor
The Honorable Aaron Peskin Dear Board President Peskin: The Mayor's Office on Disability is opposed to the proposed ordinance to amend the San Francisco Traffic Code section 100 so that it no longer applies to skateboard riders [File # 041 745]. Many members of the disability community would find the presence of skateboard riders on the sidewalk a true hazard to their safety and security. People with mobility impairments, visual disabilities, cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses frequently have reduced reaction times, and already feel that our public sidewalks can be difficult or challenging to navigate. Adding skateboard riders to this landscape would present a significant barrier to their ability to use the public right of way independently and safely. Skateboarding is a sport. It is not primarily a means of conveyance. Skateboarding is meant to be fun, challenging, risky, "extreme" and fast. This 'is not compatible with pedestrian traffic or pedestrian safety. Just as we would not stage a car race on our public streets, we should not allow skateboarding on our public sidewalks. A recreational sporting event should not take place in a location where we need a safe pedestrian environment. Please feel free to contact our office if you would like any additional background or information. Thank you for your attention to this issue. Sincerely, Susan Mizner Mayor's Office on Disability cc: Board of Supervisors |