DuPont Police Enforce City’s Skateboarding Code
Before strapping on those rollerblades or hopping on your skateboard this summer, you may want to be aware of City codes that may affect your ride. DuPont police will be enforcing these codes, largely in part to complaints and concerns about skateboarding in prohibited areas of town.
Police Chief Ron Goodpaster said the department’s intent is to keep everyone safe and to make sure that policies and codes are being obeyed. For instance, Chloe Clark Elementary School’s back parking lot and basketball court have been a hang-out for skateboarders. Recently, police officers have been called in response to neighbor complaints of skateboarders in the area.
“According to (Steilacoom Historical School) district policy, there is no skateboarding on school property. We will enforce that. If skate boarders are found on the property, they will be asked to leave,” Goodpaster said.
Skateboarding is not allowed on public property, laned roadways, sidewalks, streets, and the “business district”— which includes places like public squares, hotels, plazas, parks, parking strips and parking lots. It should be noted that the code does not just mention skateboarding. It also applies to roller skating, rollerblading, riding coasters and riding go-carts.
Goodpaster said he is aware that the code makes it almost impossible for anyone who enjoys sports like skateboarding to have somewhere to ride in the city without breaking the rules.His only suggestion is that boarders use the wider sidewalk on Center Drive. He said that area is popular with those with strollers, joggers, etc. He stressed that skateboarders must follow the rules at all times, like yielding to pedestrians and wearing helmets.
The following are excerpts from the DuPont Municipal Code Chapter 9.14 in reference to skateboards, skates, roller blades, coasters, and go-carts.
9.14.020 Prohibited acts
a. No skateboard, roller skates, coaster or go-cart shall be operated in a negligent manner. Such devices shall be operated at a reasonable speed, and with regard for the safety of the operator and others. In areas where they may lawfully operate such devices, operators of skateboards, roller skates, coasters, or go-carts shall obey all traffic laws, traffic signals, and other traffic control devices, unless directed otherwise by a police officer. (Note: Examples of operating in a negligent manner include failing to yield to pedestrians or motor vehicle traffic, failure to obey the instructions of traffic control devices and operation of the device at an unreasonable speed.)
b. No person shall, while operating a skateboard, roller skates or roller blades, or coaster, hold on to a moving vehicle, motorcycle or moped.
c. No person shall operate a skateboard, roller skates or roller blades, coaster or go-cart on any part of any laned roadway within the City of DuPont.
d. No person shall operate a skateboard, roller skates or roller blades, coaster or go-cart within the area of any business district within the City of DuPont.
e. Persons who operate skateboards, roller skates or roller blades, coasters or go-carts within the City of DuPont shall, while operating such devices, wear helmets of the type worn by bicyclists. The helmet shall be equipped with a chin strap, which shall be securely fastened while worn by the operator.
9.14.030 Violations—Penalties
Any violation of any provision or failure to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Chapter 1.17 DMC, Enforcement.
Story By 
