Skateboards on Sidewalks

Question

William asked: Who has the right of way and basically whether you’re on a skate board or a bicycle can you ride them on side walks at all and no matter which one you are on when crossing any road way you must get off stop and then proceeded across on your feet walking across whether or not a cross walk is available

Answer

Bicyclists are permitted on the sidewalk unless there is a local ordinance to the contrary, and they must yield to pedestrians.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(10) A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

There is no state statute that specifically addresses the rights and duties of persons on skateboards on sidewalks, but since they are human powered, they are not prohibited from sidewalks. You may want to check local ordinances about skateboards.

I doubt a person on a skateboard would meet the definition of pedestrian, so who should yield to whom is unclear.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(28) Pedestrian – Any person afoot.

Unless there is a local ordinance that requires it, bicyclists and skateboarders are not required to dismount before crossing a roadway. All traffic control devices must be obeyed.

http://flbikelaw.org/2015/11/dismount-before-crossing-roadway/

3 Comments on “Skateboards on Sidewalks

  1. Hey, i have read many thigns, and i want to make sure…

    Can i use my skateboard in any sidewalks?
    Can i be skateboarding in any public park on the walkways?

    Can i use the skate board any place, except the roadways and bicycle roads?

  2. IRMgamer,

    There is no state law that prohibits human powered skateboards from sidewalks. You should check the regulations and ordinances for your local community or park. That can be done by searching for “Muni Codes” for the city, county or other jurisdiction of interest. Signs are typically posted where skateboards are not allowed.

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