TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to investigate the feasibility of amending Section 10.54.040 (G) of the Long Beach Municipal Code, to prohibit skateboarding on all posted "Pedestrian Only Zones" or "Dismounted Zones" including any sidewalks, streets, alleys, parking facilities, driveways, paths on the grounds of the campus of the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and properties controlled by the California State University where skateboarding is prohibited. If City Attorney determines that such an amendment is feasible, further request City Attorney to prepare an appropriate ordinance for City Council's consideration. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The current Municipal Code states "the operation of skateboards is prohibited on all streets, alleys, sidewalks, parking facilities driveways, paths and grounds of the campus of California State University at Long Beach." California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has requested that the City reduce the restrictions and allow skateboarding in designated areas of campus. In the effort to enhance pedestrian access and safety on campus property, university officials are requesting a revision of the Long Beach Municipal Code for the following reasons:
• Student parking is about one quarter of a mile from lower campus to upper campus. Accommodating skateboards would facilitate this travel for some students, taking pressure off the current shuttle bus system.
• There are no alternative parking options for students close to classrooms at CSULB.
• Skateboard riding done in a safe manner in the designated locations can reduce traffic on campus and promote green alternatives to gas vehicles.
• Parking at CSULB is severely impacted with overflow occurring during peak times. Promoting alternatives to vehicle transportation may reduce this impact on the campus and neighboring streets surrounding the campus.
• Campus shuttles often have wait times. The greater number of students using alternate methods of transportation will reduce overcrowding and wait times.
• Safe skateboarding at CSULB is supported by the campus community (students and administration) as an alternative mode of transportation.
• The campus would like discretion in determining the places on campus that are safe for skateboards to travel and those areas designated as pedestrian only.
• University Police supports designated areas for pedestrians only and areas that can be used for skateboards as transportation.
• The revision in this municipal code is part of a larger project to encourage students to consider alternatives to fuel consuming vehicles, such as bicycles and skateboards, which we believe supports the city's mission to become the most bike friendly city in the United States.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GARY DeLONG
COUNCILMEMBER, THIRD DISTRICT
VICE MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA
COUNCILMEMBER, FIRST DISTRICT