PORT ANGELES – The City Council may stop short of enacting a skateboard helmet law, focusing instead on an educational program in the hopes that skateboarders get the message.
The City Council is scheduled to consider the staff recommendation against a helmet law following a presentation by Fire Chief Dan McKeen during tonight’s council meeting, set for 6 p.m. at City Hall, 321 E. Fifth St.
Staff concerns over a citywide skateboard helmet ordinance include potential liability since the city operates a skateboard park, potential problems between police and skateboarders and limited resources to enforce safety for a single activity.
But one member of a committee that recommended the city revise its bicycle helmet ordinance to embrace skateboarders is not happy with the staff recommendation.
“I believe [the mandatory helmet law] should be instituted, and will not increase the city’s liability,” said Doc Reiss, a member of the Nor’wester Rotary Club that built the skateboard park and donated it to the city.
