City to crack down on skateboarders, speeders

City to crack down on skateboarders, speeders

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Walter Geiger

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Monday, January 12. 2009

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The Barnesville city council heard of plans to crack down on skateboarders at its regular meeting January 12

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#1 Anonymous on 01/12/09 at 07:42 PM

It's about time. The skateboarders on the street seem to have no respect for pedestrians and dart right out in front of cars. This safety measure should help protect the citizens while encouraging the skateboarders to perform their tricks to the park.

#1.1 Taxpaying Driver on 01/13/09 at 07:06 PM

Remarkable how much attention is paid to the skateboarder "problem". Especially considering the golfcart problem remains unaddressed.

Watched one with two minors blow through the red light at the Post Office without stopping.

Just a matter of time before the first death occurs when one these infernal things is run off by a automobile.

No License...? No problem!

No Tag....? No problem!

No Insurance...? No problem!

Hope ole Peter is ready for the legal action coming to ole "Buggy"(...as in GolfBuggy...)Town.

#2 Timothy B. Dix on 01/13/09 at 04:34 AM

Reducing the speed limit on College Drive is a great idea but for me enforcing the 25mph on Poplar Street would sufice.

As an old time and long time skateboarder I understand the riders wanting different types of terrain to ride on, and the facilities at the park are nice, but the enforcement by the authorities I would rather see is a helmet law.

#3 Drew on 01/13/09 at 05:36 AM

I am NO skateboarder. Let's get that straight now. I am not even sure how many skaters hang in Barnesville. I know I have seen a backyard skatepark in a trailer court just off the four lane going towards Griffin. But 'anonymous,' what park are you referring to? The one at the rec center? Many active skaters are under driving age and can't pop over to the rec center on Gordon Rd. To get there wouldn't they need to skate there? Are we suggesting that skaters simply push themselves across town to the park without trying any tricks or crossing any traffic?

This is a situation that every city deals with at some point. I agree with Timothy. Skaters are like tennis players in that they like grass, clay, cement, etc. (not necessarily those terrains, of course). It is a sport like any other and we should meet with some skaters as well to find out what their needs are.

#4 cats on 01/13/09 at 06:12 AM

I think that the old Summers Field would be a great skate and picnic park, and would like to see it developed for that use.
By the way, I'm thinking the property damaged on Market Street was on the ROOF of some of the businesses on Market. If that's the case, all the skaters can thank a few idiots for taking away some skating privileges.

#5 a parent on 01/13/09 at 08:40 AM

I recently bought my son a skateboard.I was enthused about him wanting something that would get him out to "play"(I know the kids would find that a poor term)! The thought of him outside enjoying physical activity compared to being glued to the couch was great. Barnesville is a great and safe town and just when kids are starting to migrate outside and enjoy our community, they are once more stopped! We really need to take along hard look at how to prevent a few bad apples from ruining the bunch w/out stopping the "playing children" because that is what they are!

#6 Whats up on 01/13/09 at 08:43 AM

OK.... Can't skate in Parking lots? Why not after buisness hours? I used to skate and think the bank parking lot is a great place! Come on, I understand the traffic and people, and sidewalks, but no parking lots?

#7 Rip on 01/13/09 at 10:03 AM

Why do these kids like skating anyways. Why dont they play sports like football. I was small in high school but hit like Ray Lewis. I was the leading reciever till the playoff game and TCat had a big game and stole my thunder.

#7.1 Andrew Odom on 01/13/09 at 10:17 AM

I think it is largely this attitude that gives skateboarders the image of being "rebels" or "menaces." It just isn't so.

Skateboarding, like many other sports and activities, has its benefits. For starters, skateboarding gets people off the couch and outside being active in this age of video games and Internet and other various indoor activities. We all know that inactivity is, in fact, one of the most dangerous lifestyles to adopt. Children who begin skateboarding at an early age learn to love physical activity and will often enjoy the health benefits of that activity for years to come be they (eventually) tennis, golf, softball, running, etc.

Skateboarding is also a great way for kids and teens to make friends and connect with people with similar interests. Skateboarding has the ability to improve social and relational skills greatly. Not every kid is cut out to play the sports that our mainstream culture glorifies, and choosing skateboarding instead can be a great alternative for many kids.

For the most part, skateboarding is an inexpensive hobby to enjoy. Beginners usually can start with an inexpensive and simple board to learn skateboarding. Grabbing a skateboard and a few pads is really all a kid needs to begin learning skateboarding. Parents will love that their children can get involved in something fun and active that doesn't cost tons of money.

Just my two cents!

#7.2 r u kidding on 01/13/09 at 11:58 AM

"hit like ray lewis"? If you were some how able to muster the strength from your puny female-like body and frame and produce a collision like Ray Lewis, you would discenagrate.....in other words it is phisically impossible for you to do something like that. I do know, I dont think I have ever seen someone hit the ground with as much force as you.

#8 HB on 01/13/09 at 11:35 AM

I think the decrease in speed on college drive, should not go any further than Spencer Street.
Skate Boards, should be in a confined place, that provides safety for the public as well as the skater.

#9 Andrew Odom on 01/13/09 at 12:04 PM

Let's keep it clean, boys. No hitting below the belt. Remember, we are talking about skateboarding and the recent crackdown on those policies. This is not a forum for personal attacks.

Besides, who needs to hit like Ray Lewis when you can crack someone over the head with a plywood skateboard? Hmmmm.....

#10 joe on 01/13/09 at 01:12 PM

I own a building downtown and found some skateboard punks riding on my roof. When I confronted them about it, they basically told me to F- off. I have never wanted to beat a kids ass so bad as that day. The other problem is that when they are jumping off things they are destroying other peoples property. If we built another skate park they would get tired of it and head right back to the streets.

#10.1 Andrew Odom on 01/13/09 at 01:57 PM

I am sorry for the destruction of your property Joe. However, your attitude is, in part, fuel for the miscommunication between the skateboard population and the general public. You defaulted to calling the kids "punks." To play devil's advocate, could your confrontation possibly have been with anger or with disdain and one that would solicit an adverse attitude? Did you ask them politely to discontinue what they were doing and then explain to them why you would prefer them not to skateboard on your roof? Or did you you lash out and speak in anger?

I agree that skaters have a tendency to destroy things. And yes, another park would grow old as well, in due time. Skateboarding was born in the streets though and street skating is about making use of what is in the urban playground. Perhaps our city needs to speak to other cities that have overcome this issue?

#10.1.1 me on 01/13/09 at 02:48 PM

They know better than to be on someones roof. How stupid. Are they retarted skateboarding punks? I would have yelled at them too. Maybe it has to do with how they were raised. I blame the parents.

#10.2 TGM on 01/15/09 at 11:41 PM

Adolescents are generally snots--skateboarders or otherwise, but it's hard for me to tell just how disrespectful they were to you. First you claimed that they told you to F off, then you said that they simply walked away, which, if you are to be believed, is exactly what you had asked them to do.

Perhaps the reason they were skateboarding on your roof (if this incident really did occur) has something to do with the fact that their skateboards will be confiscated (and now they also face fines) if they try riding them anywhere else in your silly little golfcart infested (???) town. I imagine that they expected to remain hidden from persecution while skating up on the rooftop.

I'm 32 years old, have a law degree from a top 25 school and am currently pursuing my PhD in psychology. I also enjoy skateboarding as often as my schedule allows. I skate with a regular crew at least once a week ranging in ages from 18 to 46, including everyone from high school dropouts and busboys to IT nerds, architects, chiropractors and radiologists. I don't know of many other activities that can bring people from all walks of life together in the way that skateboarding can, and I feel sorry for anyone who refuses to recognize that.

Open your eyes and your minds and nurture the youngsters in your community as Melody suggests. You'll all be the better for it.

#11 Timothy B. Dix on 01/13/09 at 03:32 PM

I encourage skateboarders and fans of skateboarding to meet with the city council and discuss the issue.

I am willing to attend and help in anyway.
As for kids playing other sports, here is a bona fide fact:

There are more kids riding skateboards than all organized sports COMBINED. So collectively, they and their parents have alot of power.

Again, I would prefer helmet enforcement to further restriction.

#12 Robber Kneeel The Vien on 01/13/09 at 04:21 PM

i wish i could skate board around town. i was thinking of strapping a fire truck to each foot. if i could just get it to fit.

#13 Anonymous on 01/13/09 at 04:31 PM

I better not catch one of those trespassing punks skateboarding around my house. They are just a bunch of sissy’s, with their colored hair and their girl pants. Start acting like men you little girlie boys.

#13.1 Andrew Odom on 01/13/09 at 05:57 PM

I am pretty sure that this comment is neither constructive nor will it solve the problem at hand. I can understand your anger towards the abusing of property as well as the overall demeanor of the skaters. However, if this is the behavior they have to look up to, why would they want to conform?

#13.1.1 joe on 01/14/09 at 10:05 AM

I did calmly ask the skaters why they were on my roof with skateboards and they walked away like I wasn't even talking to them. At that time I did get angry and threaten to call the cops.
I didn't mean to say that all skateboards were problems. I know a bunch of kids with good parents who are not disrespectful that ride downtown and they never give me any trouble. These kids were all wearing black and had piercings.

#14 ? on 01/13/09 at 05:06 PM

It doesn't matter how many are skateboarders they are. They should not be downtown on the sidewalks and going in and out of traffic. Its very congested downtown. It is an accident waiting to happen. And skating on a business roof? Surely that was a joke? I don't think the skaters and their parents have a leg to stand on in trying to defend this behavior. Use common sense people.

#15 golfcarthater on 01/13/09 at 08:25 PM

I wish the city would crack down on all the golf carts in town. I see many more of those than skateboarders, and find them to be much more hazardous. I can think of multiple occasions when I have seen infants and toddlers riding in golf carts on the city streets...they are not restrained, not in car seats, not protected at all from a potential crash. Golf carts are supposed to obey the rules of the road, and this is clearly unsafe and ridiculous...and in my opinion, much more of a threat than someone on a skateboard in a parking lot.

#15.1 somebody feels left out on 01/14/09 at 11:04 AM

Maybe when you get your taxes back you can get you a golf cart and fit right in.

#15.1.1 I hates em too on 01/14/09 at 05:21 PM

A few think they have a car and putt along 15 MPH in the middle of a trafic lane even though they have room to get over near the curb. They do this with babies on the cart and no car seats. One parks by that local massage parlor Susanahs right where I have to turn my delivery truck to get over to a customer. One kid with a green cart is always riding around with the thing up on two wheels. Generally Greencart has a load of kids. If they want to share the road they should have license plates and carry insurance and follow laws and not impede traffic through stupidity.

Ive never had a problem with a skate board rider. Give the kids a break until after the gulf carts are handled.

#16 Melody on 01/14/09 at 08:33 PM

I used to be a skateboarder in Barnesville myself many years ago. I know that some problems can arise from certain groups of kids, that's going to happen with or without skateboards involved. It is a sport, like any other I think the parents need to get more involved with their kids. Take them to the skate park, sit and watch them and cheer when they do good. Isn't that what they would do if their child was playing football or baseball? Sorry your roof got messed up but couldn't you have said, "Hey come down here and do some tricks so I can see them better." You could have said you don't mind them being around doing tricks as long as they didn't tear anything up or endanger their wellbeing. Then you could have said for your own safety and the sake of your roof please don't get back on it. To all of you that have called them "punks" or whatever you wish to call them, SHAME ON YOU! Shame on you and the community for not caring about these kids! What ever happened to those loving members of the community who wanted to make a difference in a child's life? Have you ever thought that maybe you could be the ONLY possitive influence in their life? Police chief Pitts would roll over in his grave if he knew how the youth of the community were being treated. So instead of calling them names, learn their name. Instead of turning them away, take them in. Instead of treating them like pieces of wasted human flesh, threat them with respect and welcome them as a member of the community...they will be running it oneday.

#16.1 Drew on 01/15/09 at 08:24 AM

I agree with you Melody. Problems and confrontation are a part of adolescence with or without skateboards, bats, gloves, footballs, etc. And my gosh, you are soooooo right. Parents should view these activities as other sporting activities and cheer their children on. Show them support. Become active in their lives.

Early on in this discussion I also asked what kind of confrontation took place and how diplomatic it was. Kids and teens don't usually respond well (in ANY situation) to yelling, cursing, demeaning remarks, etc.

Calling kids names and immediately assuming they are out to destroy...labeling them punks...that is just a poor, poor example that we are setting for them. Kids learn from what they see and if they see our behavior stoop to such a low level than why would they do any different?

Thank you for speaking out Melody. I am sorry areyoujoking that you feel such animosity against these offenders. YES, you do approach them with some diplomacy. YOU are the adult. Many people do not know who these kids are and can't speak for their upbringing. You obviously can and are proving my point exactly. They only had their parents to look up to so of course they are going to act out. Now, imagine if they had some positive role models........

#16.1.1 Anonymous on 01/15/09 at 02:09 PM

Thank you. You are a good role model.

#17 Anonymous on 01/14/09 at 10:53 PM

We saw helmet...... We will fight!!! Beat him!!! Anti-Peter Banks!!! New mayor in 2010 or 2011? We want skateboard, roller skating, bike, golf cart and other!!!! We say Yes skateboarding and roller skating. Don't say no! We will fight again!!!

#18 areyoujoking on 01/15/09 at 08:01 AM

#16- are you serious- someone is skateboarding on your roof and you calmly and nicely ask them to come down and perform some tricks where you can see? Maybe their parents should have taught them respect for other's property- that's where the problem is- look at who these kids are anyway......

#18.1 Melody on 01/15/09 at 02:02 PM

Come on now, I know that kids can be VERY bad at times. I have 4 kids myself and I teach them to respect everyone and everything, especially if it doesn't belong to them. Have you ever thought that maybe their parents don't give a crap about what their kids do as long as they stay out of their hair?? I have known kids like this and I'm glad I took a few minutes of my time to make a difference with them. Calling them names and judging them because they screw up isn't a way to handle it. If you continue to bash them then they will turn into the revolving door at the local jails. My husband is a deputy and he sees so many times parents that don't care and their teen is out of control, it saddens us both to know that the kids have no one, they have nothing. Kids need love, stability, understanding and respect. Respect is earned I know but if the table was turned and you were a kid again doing something stupid (like we ALL have done) would you have liked being jumped on right off the bat? No you wouldn't. You, in your raging horomones and trying to act tough for your friends, would lash out. Maybe that's why I see it different, it wasn't too long ago I was a kid myself and I know how I felt in different situations so I know what these kids are going through. Kill them with kindness yes. You can't change a bad kid by being mean to them. Be a mentor, a role model. Maybe if SOMEONE actually showed interest in their lifestyle and hobby then they might start to change. It is easier to change an unruly kid than it is to change an unruly adult. Someone please give these kids a chance and a helping hand or dear God you will regret it oneday.

#19 Anonymous on 01/15/09 at 03:04 PM

Why should they be rewarded when the act out? I say yell at them and then call the law and press charges. That's the only way to put a stop to their crap.If we praise them for it then they will do it again. Kids need to be punished when they do wrong.

#20 joe on 01/15/09 at 08:48 PM

Melody
I admitted last time I bloged,I should not have referred to them as punks. As far as you saying "shame on you", my 2yr old roof has currently been leaking and I bet you nor the nice young skatesboarders are going to pay for it.

#20.1 Melody on 01/16/09 at 01:17 AM

Like I said, I am sorry your roof got damaged but my point is, calling them names and being hateful isn't going to solve anything. All I was saying was maybe you handled it wrong. I'm not saying those certain skateboarders you encountered were "nice", they need help desperately. I don't think that ANY child is beyond repair. Nor do I think that ALL skateboarders need to suffer from the actions of a certain few. I also wasn't saying shame on you in particular, I was saying that to everyone who doesn't care about these kids lives. Let me ask everyone a question, if it was your child, your niece or nephew or some child you care deeply about, would you like it if someone trashed them? No matter how bad my kids may act, they are still my kids and I love them regardless. It doesn't mean that they get away with things they do wrong, it just means that like the prodigal son, they will always be my child.

#21 Anonymous on 01/18/09 at 10:44 AM

yea right.. They were gonna crack down on all the 10 yr old children operating the golf carts too huh?
We see how far that got.
What about the 75 ppl that are in front of american pie every night on the sidewalk and all out in the road.
When i was growing up Giant mart was the place to sit and congregate. It was pretty common for the LEO to come there and run everyone off even after hours and some ppl have even went to jail. Tickets have been issued etc.
The longer this saga goes on in Barnesville the less credible the political/LE "promises" are.

#22 Eric Hamm on 02/06/09 at 12:07 PM

I dont know whats wrong with this county there are to many things going on down here. I used to be a trouble teen and I have changed my ways. Why dont we as a city try to do something about this problem like build a skate park for these kid? There is nothing for themdown here. Get some activities going on for them. Dont be afraid to build and expand things are only going to get worse if we dont try to help these kid. The country aint the country anymore time to accept it and make it better..

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