Skateboards in bike lanes?

How do people here feel about people riding skateboards in bike lanes (in the Loop in particular)? I bike commute 2 or 3 times a week, and the other days I skateboard to and from the train. Technically, I believe the City considers skateboards the same as bikes, as far as riding on the sidewalk (against the law if you are over 12). And some pedestrians dislike sharing the sidewalk with skateboards. I don't think I would object to skateboarders in bike lanes. But I'm interested in how other cyclists feel.

 

Jim

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Permalink Reply by Matthew [cannonball] Franzen on May 27, 2013 at 2:12pm

The roads are for everyone! Drivers, riders, and boarders all help pay for these streets. As a skateboarder, cyclist, and former driver, everyone needs to help each other get around and be conscious of those around them B] Plus the bike lane is much safer for them. I'm happy to see a skater in the bike lane any day. After all... They let bikes ride in the skate park. 

Permalink Reply by Walter Lee on May 28, 2013 at 11:21am

Skateboards with smaller wheels (<55mm) are highly susceptible to small pebbles.  Hitting a small pebble can make you come to a sudden skidding stop and fall pretty badly.

When I see skateboarders in the bike lanes, I think it's terrifying and dangerous.  Especially at night.  There's lots of debris in the streets, and if you can't see it clearly, you are eventually going to fall.  When there are cars and bikes around, that doesn't seem like a risk worth taking.

Permalink Reply by David of the North (David606xx) on May 29, 2013 at 8:26am

Same rule applies as in all areas of life--Just Don't Be a Dick About It. ;-)

Seriously, though--hold your line, check before you stop abruptly, we're all good. Human powered transportation rules!

Permalink Reply by Scott on May 30, 2013 at 11:40am

I don't mind them.  I just slow down and wait for a safe time to pass.  I would rather the person be skateboarding than driving a car.

Permalink Reply by Bret on July 27, 2015 at 11:52am

I commuted by Longboard for the last 2 months.  Today I was told by an 18th district sergeant that municipal code 9-80-200 means that Longboards cannot be used on the street.  I was riding on the right hand side of the street, the same place that cyclists ride.  He told me I could use it on the sidewalk but a longboard is no good on the sidewalk. 

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