Portland: Skating banned in West Hills, lights ruled for all 'human power' devices

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PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland City Council has amended its city code to prohibit the use of skateboards or similar devices in the neighborhoods surrounding Washington Park.The determination was made in a council meeting Wednesday. The rule applies to "all persons using roller skates, including in-line skates, skateboards, scooters, or other similar devices powered exclusively by human power, not including bicycles."In addition to the Washington Park-area boarding ban (see map), the city also passed rules similar to those for cyclists.All persons under 16 years of age shall wear protective headgear when on a human-powered device. Everyone, of any age, also must now have a white light that shines 500 feet in front, and a red light or reflector visible from all distances up to 600 feet behind. The penalty for failing to follow any of these rules has been set as a minimum fìne of $115."We will be enforcing right away, starting with warnings and tickets," said Portland Mayor Adams in the Sept. 5 council meeting.The city plans a week of warnings before writing tickets.Related resources:Further details on Wednesday's council meetingMore posts related to skateboarding, via the Portland Tribune websiteRead the full ordinance as passed by Portland City Council Wednesday

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