You would think in the town that literally had witch hunts and killed people and burned them for being witches would be a little more relaxed about skateboarding…but nope, skateboarding on any streets in Salem is illegal. You can’t even skate on the street in front of your house…or you will risk getting a ticket and having your board confiscated by the police.
Well, hopefully not anymore. The Mayor of Salem, Kim Driscoll, has been listening to some young skaters and is trying to find a peaceful compromise to allow skaters to safely skate in town. According to Salem Patch News, the proposed ordinances would repeal the existing blanket prohibition and instead permit skateboarding on all roads except the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and Highland Avenue. Use on a sidewalk would be prohibited and all riders would be required to follow all traffic rules and regulations, similar to bicyclists, according to a release. The proposed ordinance would also require that riders under the age of 16 wear an appropriate helmet. Those who skate dangerously or out into traffic would still be subject to a fine under the proposed ordinances.
Skaters of Salem have Mike and Brian Rappa to thank for this new change because after they were given tickets and had their boards confiscated by the Salem Police they approached the mayor to coordinate a compromise. If you are having issues in your area raise your voice, you just might get heard!
Here’s a few douchey comments from the article.
