From: paul@mmotion.com (Media In Motion)
Subject: [sfskaters] City Code Section 100 meeting update
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 1997 17:46:58 -0800

City Code Section 100
Update on 4/29/97 meeting that D. and I attended.

Present at the meeting were:
Supervisor Tom Ammiano
Michael Housh (Staff Assistant)
Bill Maher (Executive Director, Department of Parking and Traffic 'DPT')
Denise Brady ( Bureau Chief, Department of Public Works 'DPW')
Katharine Albright (Deputy City Attorney)

There are many groups and City departments that are coming forward to
voice strong opposition to our purposed changes.  Most of the opposition
is centered around increased liability for the city, along with skater
(and pedestrian) safety.

Since much of this opposition is just surfacing, there are too many
unresolved issues to risk a full SF Board vote (we'd almost surely be
voted down), so Supervisor Ammiano is systematically meeting with opponents
to address their concerns.

The meeting that D. and I attended today was the first meeting (of what
is likely to be several) with the departments mentioned above.

The tone of the meeting was what I will call "friendly-aggressive" with
Maher displaying the most opposition.  His department is responsible for
auto traffic in the City... he doesn't want anything impeding the flow
and feels that skaters in the street (with automobiles) is a dangerous
mix.  The fact that Maher attended the meeting himself, instead of
sending a staff assistant, shows his passion about this issue.

Maher realizes that the Board of Supervisors could vote this in without
his support and said that if this were to happen, he would try to make
the best of it.  I personally get the sense that his support or
opposition will carry some amount of weight, although I don't know if
it would make or break a SF Board vote.

We spent the first half of meeting semi-arguing about all of the things
that could go wrong (with Mike Housh, D. and I trying to diplomatically
redirect their misconceptions of skaters and skating).

Once a little steam was vented, we started discussing possible scenarios
that would work for the city and the skaters.  Several possibilities
were offered... (if you have interest, email me or find me on the FN Skate
and I'll fill you in) but in the end, the one that all seemed to
*initially* agree upon (even Maher) was a one year pilot program that
would allow skaters to skate in designated (East/West, North/South) bike
lanes throughout the city.   This "program" would allow the City to view
and monitor our road presence and safety.  If all went well, we could
get additional privileges, etc.

This type of pilot would need to be supported by the SF Bicycle Coalition,
which I view as a positive move for us.   The Bike Coalition is recognized
and respected by the City of SF.  The Coalition has been monitoring and
supporting our efforts already, so this shouldn't be a problem.

NONE OF THIS IS CAST IN STONE.  At this point this is *just discussion*.
All that is known, is that we have several more weeks of negotiations to
see if this scenario is even feasible both legally and politically.

As of today, the FN Skate does not look like it is in jeopardy.  We will
probably get parade permits or the City will continue to look the other
way while we are working on the overall details.  As always, *we must be
on our best behavior* anytime we are skating.  Remember it is still illegal
and we are much more visible than ever before.

D. and I will keep you informed.  Any feedback is appreciated.
Letters of support to the Supervisors and the Mayor are always welcome
and needed.

Best regards,
Paul Pillitteri