Environmental Health & Safety Policy PS 05 02

I. INTRODUCTION (Purpose and Intent)

This policy is established to address the safety concerns of the University Community posed by the hazardous use of skateboards, scooters or rollerblades/skates and similar wheeled devices and to minimize damages to University property from the use of these devices.

II. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all members of the University Community including, but not limited to: faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

III. STATEMENT OF POLICY

A. Skateboarding, rollerblading/skating, or non-motorized scooter riding is permitted on open walkways as a means of transportation, provided they do not constitute a hazard to pedestrians, disabled persons, disrupt classes or damage property; i.e. yield to pedestrians and vehicles, travel at a safe speed, do not jump or ride over stops or curbs, and remain on smooth paved surfaces.

B. Rollerskating/blading, skateboarding and scooter riding under the above noted conditions are permitted except in the following areas:

1. Within any University building. (Such devices must be removed prior to entry.) 2. On prepared sports surfaces such as, but not limited to, the University track and tennis courts. 3. The University's Water Feature, the bridge and adjacent sidewalks. 4. Skateboards, scooters or rollerblades/skates shall not be ridden upon or used on any ramp, stairway, wall, bench, or other structure or facility or on or over any landscaped area, including, but not limited to, grass, shrubbery, or flower beds. 5. In any other areas posted as being prohibited for use by the University (to enhance personal safety, reduce property damage and/or prevent interference with campus operations/programming).

C. Recreational use of the above mentioned devices by groups and/or individuals (i.e., skill demonstrations, sports/competitions, stunts, tricks and uses other than transportation) is prohibited from building entrances, steps, stairs, ramps, walls, sidewalks, parking lots and other general campus space except as part of an approved University competition or function.

D. Skateboards, scooters or rollerblades/skates rollerskaters/bladers and skateboarders may not be towed by bicycles or other vehicles.

E. Any person using a skateboard, scooter or rollerblades/skates will be subject to disciplinary action for failure to stop at the scene of an accident where he or she has involved in property damage and/or injury. Identification must be presented to the other party and the accident reported to the University Police Department.

IV. VIOLATIONS

A. The University may seek compensatory damages if University property is damaged or destroyed.

B. Students, faculty, and staff violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, while others that violate this policy will be removed from campus.

C. Any University Police officer who observes a person violating this policy may impound the person's skateboard, scooter, and rollerskates/blades and hold them at the University Police Department for a twenty-four (24) hour Impoundment period.