The Rising Popularity of Skateboarding

Being a city alderman, I helped developed rules and regulations for a skateboarding park. I have always been a strong fan of skateboards and especially the X Games. The recent X Games in Shanghai was dominated by Americans. Andy McDonald scored an 87.67 to take home the gold. The American known as the "Mac-Attack" used a Kick Flip 540 in both the second and third rounds, to secure his medal.

Culture
The use of skateboards have become very popular among the younger generation. In some ways, it has become a rebel sport for the younger generation. It combines a bit of the punk culture with sport.

Skateboards are used for sporting, transportation, as an art and even a job for those that are professionals. Long-boards are used by many college students as a form of transportation on and around college campus's.

History and Municipalities
Skateboards got their start when California surfers wanted to take to land. From there it grew into a sport participated in mainly by young boys. They started skating in streets, alleys and sidewalks. Skaters needed a place to practice skills like the "ollie" and the "kickflip." Many civic leaders, like myself, knew that they presented a danger to themselves, as well as pedestrians and drivers. To solve this problem, skate parks started being designed in safe locations.

Liability Insurance and Rules
This only solved half the problem with skateboarders. Municipalities had to deal with liability insurance and establish rules and regulations, that had to be followed to keep skateboarders safe. Many insurance companies have high rates and demand that skaters wear helmets and pads.

Communities without skateboard parks are finding that they need to establish skating rules, too. Downhill skaters can reach speeds up to 30 mph on some hilly streets. One such community that recently faced this problem was Laguna Beach. They passed a skateboard ordinance to regulate the sport and try to keep everyone concerned safe.

sources; Claudia Koerner; OCRegister.com