Bicycle & Skateboard Safety
On May 17th, 2017, Cathedral City Police Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision involving a teenage skateboarder and a motor vehicle. Upon the police officers’ arrival at the scene, they found that the skateboarder had been struck while riding across an intersection, and thrown approximately twenty feet from the point of impact. Fortunately, the skateboarder was wearing a helmet that had been provided to him at school by a local non-profit group that advocates for skateboard safety. Doctors stated that the young man’s injuries would have been far more severe had he not been wearing the helmet. Members of the Cathedral City Police Officers Association, along with some local businesses, replaced the young man’s skateboard, while the “4SHAYJ” Foundation replaced the damaged helmet with a brand new one.
With summer’s arrival, we see more children out riding their skateboards and bicycles in our community. To make everyone safe we ask motorists, bicyclists and skateboarders to be aware of each other sharing the roadways and operate safely.
No matter the age, or experience of the rider; if using a bicycle or skateboard to get to and from your destination, please remember to observe the following basic safety tips:
• Every skateboarder, and those using scooters or skates should ALWAYS wear a helmet. (It’s the law for everyone under the age of 18 years. (VC 21212(a)). In addition to helmets, wear padding, and closed-toe and slip resistant shoes while skateboarding or using a scooter or skates.
• Check your equipment for wear and tear.
• Only allow one person per skateboard.
• Do not hitch rides from bicycles, cars, or other vehicles.
• Never ride a skateboard in the street.
• Obey all traffic laws
• Ride on smooth surfaces. Watch for uneven pavement, and areas of dirt, sand, gravel and water, which can cause falls.
• Carefully practice tricks in designated skateboarding areas.
• Learn to fall-practice, falling on a soft surface or grass.
• When riding, bicyclists and skateboarders are required to obey all rules of the road, including traffic signs, signals, and road markings. Always be aware of the traffic around you. Before entering a street or intersection, be sure to check for traffic.
