| LEGISLATIVE DIGEST BOARD FILE
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SKATE TRANSIT PILOT PROGRAM (SUPERVISOR AMMIANO)
AMMENDING PART 2, CHAPTER Xl, OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL CODE (TRAFFIC CODE), BY
AMMENDING SEC. 100, WHICH GOVERNS THE USE OF COASTERS, ROLLERSKATES, SKATEBOARDS AND
SIMILAR DEVICES, TO REVISE PROVISIONS REGULATING THE USR OF ROLLERSKATES, AND BY ADDING
SECTIONS 100.1 TO 100.6, INCLUSIVE TO REGULATE THE USE OF ROLLERSKATES AND INLINE SKATES.
Existing provisions of the traffic code permit the use of coasters, skates, skateboards
and similar devices on sidewalks and non-business districts between the period commencing
half hour before sunrise and half hour after sunset. The use of these devices is
prohibited on:
1. sidewalks in business districts at any time;
2. sidewalks in non-business districts between the period commencing half hour
after sunset and half hour before sunrise
3. roadways and business and non-business districts at any time.
This legislation would amend the traffic code to create a Skate Transit Pilot Program
("Program") to permit individuals 18 years or older to use roller skates and
inline skates on the following roadways: bike routes, bike paths, and, upon revision to
state law, bike lanes that are designated by the Department of Parking and Traffic. The
program will also permit the use of roller skates and inline skates on sidewalks in
non-business districts at any time. Under this program, the use of roller skates and
inline skates on sidewalks in business districts would remain prohibited.
Sec. 100.1 (a) defines bike lane, bike path, bike route, inline skates, pedestrian,
protective helmet, roller skate, skater and skating.
Sec. 100.1 (b) authorizes skaters to travel on bike routes, bike paths, and upon
revision to state law, bike lanes that the Department of Parking and Traffic has
determined may safely accommodate skaters, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, and has
designated by issuing a map identifying such permitted routes.
Sec. 100.1 (c) imposes restrictions requiring skaters to travel upon permitted routes
in a manner that is safe to themselves, pedestrians, and vehicular traffic. This section
also requires skaters to carry a certificate issued by the Police Department which urges
skaters to obtain proper training in how to skate safely and warn skaters that skating is
dangerous and that skaters should wear a helmet at all times and skate only on permitted
routes.
Sec. 100.1 (d) authorizes the Department of Parking and Traffic to consider installing
signs to demark the routes and warn of potential hazards. This section further authorizes
the Department of Public Works to consider installing lights on permitted routes for
skating at night. Further, this section requires the Police Department, the Municipal
Railway, and the Department of Public Health to prepare annual reports of known accidents
and property damage involving skaters.
Sec. 100.2 makes it an infraction to violate this ordinance and imposes criminal
penalties.
Sec. 100.3 provides that the ordinance is severable if any part is held invalid.
Sec. 100.4 indicates that the City is adopting this ordinance for the limited purpose
of promoting the general welfare.
Sec. 100.5 requires the Department of Parking and Traffic to publish a map of the
permitted routes and post reasonable notice of the ordinance.
Sec. 100.6 provides that this ordinance shall expire on December 31, 1999. |