Steamboat Pilot & Today

Skateboarders, roller skaters and scooter riders will have to open their pocketbooks wider if they get caught riding where they aren't allowed.

The City Council approved 6-0 on Tuesday an ordinance that introduces a graduated fine schedule for people who ride in prohibited areas. The $10-per-offense fine will change to $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense and $75 for the third and subsequent offenses.

The ordinance also states that people cannot use skateboards, bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates, toy vehicles, kamikazi boards, go-peds, stand-up scooters or ski skates on sidewalks within the following boundaries: Oak Street on the north, Yampa Avenue on the south, Third Street on the east and 13th Street on the west. People can, however, carry or walk with any of these vehicles in the area.

The ordinance also addresses which vehicles are allowed on city streets. No toy vehicles, kamikazi boards, go-peds or stand-up scooters are allowed on any public roadway within the city. However, people can ride skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates and ski skates on city roads. Because of state law, only bicycles are allowed on Lincoln Avenue, U.S. Highway 40 and Elk River Road.

Council members made no comment about the ordinance before approving it, and no one from the public stood to speak for or against it.

Later in the meeting, after the ordinance was approved, Buck Chavarria told council members that he thinks skateboarders who are caught in prohibited areas might not really learn from paying a fine.

Instead, Chavarria said, he thinks that young people who are caught should do community service. That type of work would leave a lasting impression and also would benefit the community, he said.

"It would be better and longer lasting," Chavarria said.

City Attorney Tony Lettunich told council members that the ordinance would not have to be changed to incorporate this idea.