Problemo with Authorities

**anatharc** · 04-09-2009 07:55 PM

So... the director of resident life at my college has been getting some complaints about "skateboarding on campus" and wants me to come in and talk.
Anyone got some constructive advice on how to keep them from shutting down the whole cruisin on campus thingy?

Also, how skateboarding has a positive aspect on society would help a bunch. I want to be loaded with info on the good that our sport has on the world, so that there's no reason for peeps to get riding kicked off campus.

**David H** · 04-09-2009 08:06 PM

bikers are lazy, no good, doped up hate mongers, and rollerbladers are communists. dirty, dirty communists.

**anatharc** · 04-09-2009 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by Eugene Pooneil

bikers are lazy, no good, doped up hate mongers, and rollerbladers are communists. dirty, dirty communists.

thanks. but i was looking for serious answers.

**tylerdwhite** · 04-09-2009 08:34 PM

definitely bring commuting to/from campus (saving gas/emissions/parking) into the picture. I skate 2+ miles every day to school for just those reasons.

also be sure to explain the difference between longboard commuting and shortboard skating and the differences (shortboarders wear on private property, etc). Get at the root of why people don't like skateboarders and explain why longboards/transportation skating does not fit into that line of reasoning.

-Tyler

**whatsisname6** · 04-09-2009 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by anatharc

thanks. but i was looking for serious answers.

I lol'd. Didn't you?

**iidrum** · 04-09-2009 08:55 PM

I lol'd at the idea of serious answers on the 'Fish.

In all seriousness, though, put it in the director of resident life's butt.

And then explain that longboarding is a smaller space footprint than biking, more effective than walking, and much more environmental than driving.

Circular previous commenters.

**boston_boston2** · 04-09-2009 08:55 PM

maybe they mean short boards? longboarding doesnt destroy property and on campus its just a way from point A to point B... i dont think they can tell you you cant ride your board without telling people they cant have bicycles. Skateboards and bicycles are the same in the eyes of the law around here...

**Moogleluvr** · 04-09-2009 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by tylerdwhite

definitely bring commuting to/from campus (saving gas/emissions/parking) into the picture. I skate 2+ miles every day to school for just those reasons.

also be sure to explain the difference between longboard commuting and shortboard skating and the differences (shortboarders wear on private property, etc). Get at the root of why people don't like skateboarders and explain why longboards/transportation skating does not fit into that line of reasoning.

-Tyler

Agreed. As much as people on this site hate it when we do this, you'll want to differentiate longboarders and our (mostly) non-destructive activities from the (mostly) destructive tricks of street skating.

Because as skateboarders, we're lumped in with kids like this (video here), you have to make the point that we do not do this stuff. We are not the stereotypical disrespectful "skater punks" who flip random cars off, mouth off at security guards, etc.

**anatharc** · 04-09-2009 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by iidrum

In all seriousness, though, put it in the director of resident life's butt.

.

will do.

thanks for the advice guys. now i just need to harp on protective gear and i think i got this in the bag.

**msk** · 04-09-2009 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by boston_boston2

i dont think they can tell you you cant ride your board without telling people they cant have bicycles. Skateboards and bicycles are the same in the eyes of the law around here...

It depends on where you are. Where I live, bicycles are in the same classification as motor vehicles. I have to obey the same laws, and can get ticketed for doing anything I'd get a ticket for while driving. Including riding on sidewalks. Personally, I'm glad skateboarding is not like cycling here...

**HerBDerb** · 04-10-2009 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by anatharc

Anyone got some constructive advice on how to keep them from shutting down the whole cruisin on campus thingy?

Put it in their butt.

**sk8norcal** · 04-10-2009 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by anatharc

wants me to come in and talk. .

why do they want to talk to you ?
are u the head of a longboard club or something?

**anatharc** · 04-10-2009 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by sk8norcal

why do they want to talk to you ?
are u the head of a longboard club or something?

no. i'm just one of the few guys on campus who do it alot.

**sk8norcal** · 04-10-2009 01:00 AM

it would be a cool if someone can make a promo video,
showing longboarders getting around their campus...
especially a prestigious campus, like Stanford...
with positive comments from students...

..

**Ogre** · 04-10-2009 05:43 AM

No matter what means you use as transportation. If you use it w/o regards to others, you're right to continue is jeapordized. You have an obligation to others to treat them w/ respect, no matter if you're on a board/bike or BMW
Longboards don't require bike racks or parking spaces and are best for living green(other than walking)