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Cops Can Now Ticket Skateboarders for "Bombing" and Other "Reckless" Stunts
Photo by Grant Palmer Photography via the LAist Featured Photos pool
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance today that gives cops the green light to ticket skateboarders who engage in what's known as "bombing"--when they barrel down steep hills at high speeds, and other dangerous moves.
The ordinance calls for skaters to stand while riding on public roads, sidewalks, parking lots or other public property, explains City News Service. It also makes it illegal to ride a skateboard faster than 10 mph through an intersection or to ride while hanging on to a vehicle. And if you're the knowing driver of such a vehicle, you can now get a ticket, too.
The language of the new law indicates it will now be illegal for skaters to ride "recklessly or in such a manner or at such a speed as to cause or threaten to cause injury to himself or herself or to others.''
During today's City Council meeting, other aspects of skateboard safety were brought up, as well, including the practice of bicycle riders towing skateboards, and if the city should post signs about the new skateboarding ordinance.
Luckily for L.A.'s skateboarders, the ordinance ended up less severe than it began: "The Public Safety Committee rejected an earlier draft of the ordinance that would have banned skateboards on city streets," notes KPCC.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has already said he would sign the ordinance, backed by Councilman Joe Buscaino, into law.
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