Ordinance 2760 for commercial areas only
City Government
The city of Sulphur Springs has unanimously voted to clarify language within Ordinance 2760, which expands the coverage of the ordinance to prohibit skateboards, scooters, rollerblades and other similar devices on sidewalks in commercially zoned areas, as of the regular Oct. 1 city council meeting.
“This is for commercial property only and not residential property,” Council member Erica Armstrong stated. “We are not forcing children to ride their skateboards in the street. … That was a terrible misunderstanding. I think there was some kind of misconception, and I just want to clear that up.”
City Manager Marc Maxwell told the News-Telegram the ordinance does not restrict wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Council member Jimmy D. Lucas confirmed with city attorney Jim McLeroy that signs must be posted before fines will be enforced.
McLeroy stated the city plans to post signs in commercial zones, mainly the downtown area. McLeroy added that in some commercially zoned areas such as Walmart, signs prohibiting bicycling and skateboarding are already posted.
Lucas told the News-Telegram the passage of the ordinance had been controversial, stating he had received upwards of 50 calls since last month’s regular session on Sept. 3.
“Your kids can ride their bicycles all they want to in front of your house,” Lucas said. “I have to tell people that.”
Ultimately though, says Lucas, Ordinance 2760 is about safety.
“We’ve got to protect people, both our bicyclists and our citizens,” he stated.