From: CAblader@ix.netcom.com (David Miles)
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 03:44:04
Subject: [sfskaters-announce] San Francisco Skate Transit Pilot Program

for more information contact:
DAVID G. MILES JR.
PHONE    415-752-1967
FAX      415-SKATE-97
E-MAIL   CAblader@ix.netcom.com
WEB PAGE http://www.cora.org

Hi skaters,

After two and a half years, it finally looks that the hard work Paul and I 
have been doing at City Hall may finally show benefits.  Today the 
Technology and Transportation Committee passed and sent to the San Francisco 
Board of Supervisors the ordinance that will create the Skate Transit Pilot 
Program.  

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors should be voting on this at the next 
full board meeting.  San Francisco skaters should be ready to come down in 
full force to support the legislation.  The meeting should take place on 
Mon. Sept. 21, but that is Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday (and my and 
Rose's wedding aniversary).  If the Supervisors don't meet then, they will 
meet on the following Monday.  You will be given plenty of notice.  

The following is the legislative summary of the Skate Transit Pilot Program.  
The detailes are posted at the CORA web site at:

http://www.cora.org

Keep Rollin',

D. Miles Jr.


LEGISLATIVE DIGEST

BOARD FILE NUMBER__________________

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.

The details of the ordinance can be found at:

http://www.cora.org