From: paul@mediainmotion.com (Paul Pillitteri)
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 12:34:22
Subject: [sfskaters] Re: "Stall" the Skate Pilot Program?

Hi Kirk,

Thanks for your comments and your suggestion to stall the Skate Pilot
Program.  I have been the main liaison between the City and CORA
(California Outdoor Rollerskating Association) during this entire process
and have a keen understanding of the issues that play out here.   

First let me say that there is *no reason whatsoever* to assume that this
is a "set-up" by the local politicians.  

While on face value, it may seem like delaying will allow us to leverage a
new administration and gain more power on this issue... I do not believe
that it will.  There are a number of reasons for my belief, many of them
centered around liability issues.   

Yes this program restricts our street access, however the actual number of
streets has not been determined yet.  It is likely to be fewer than what we
would ideally like, but through careful management of the program, I feel
our access will increase with time.  

It is unclear if the police department will actually enforce the
restrictions.  Unofficially, I feel that as long as we don't endorse
wholesale abuse of the rules, we will not encounter much resistance. 

There are a number of "wins" as a result of this program, the primary one
being the establishment of a first-ever, Skate Advisory Committee.  This
Board-appointed committee will give us credibility from within the City
Government structure.  Once a Pilot Program like this is off the ground,
The Advisory Committee will have the "inside track" to recommend an
increase in the number of streets, amendments to the program, etc.  

If there are issues that come up regarding the Pilot Program, the City will
not immediately adopt a cavalier attitude about it, they will register
their concern with the Skate Advisory Committee and task them with
suggesting solutions...

We are in agreement that our ultimate goal is to have "equal treatment as
cyclists."  State-level law must change for this to be done correctly.
Once these changes take place on a State level, many liability issues
disappear on the local level.  This is an undertaking that D. and I are
beginning.  It will take patience, time, education and support.  I believe
that the Skate Pilot Program and the Skate Advisory Committee will
*greatly* increase our chances to be taken seriously at the Capitol and the
allies that we make on a local level, will also assist us with
introductions, support, advice, etc.

In closing, I feel that the SF Skate Pilot Program and the Skate Advisory
Committee are both very important steps to further our ultimate goals.  It
is my hope that you, all skaters and any proponent for alternate forms of
transportation, will embrace and support these programs.

I would be happy to answer any questions or speak to any additional
concerns either online or offline. 

Sincerely,
Paul Pillitteri