Editor,
According to the University Business Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 2260, "Individuals using bicycles, skates, skateboards and other nonmotorized vehicles on campus must at all times yield to pedestrians, use due caution and exercise concern for the safety of self and others. The users of nonmotorized vehicles are responsible for being in control at all times of their bicycle, skates, skateboard or other nonmotorized
vehicle so as not to endanger the safety of themselves or others. In all situations, pedestrians have the right of way and users of nonmotorized vehicles must yield to
pedestrians."
These policies are repeated in the UNM student handbook, the Pathfinder.
Skateboards are inherently dangerous; they have no way of braking, so their operators have little control over their vehicles. This means it's impossible for skateboarders to yield to pedestrians at all times and in all situations. Therefore, skateboards are by their nature in violation of UNM policy.
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The University is not a skate park. It is a pedestrian-centric campus, and skateboarders are a dangerous nuisance to the students, faculty, staff and visitors who walk on campus.
Since attempting to enforce UNM's policy on a case-by-case basis is unreasonable, an out-and-out ban is the most efficient way to deal with the problem.
For the reasons above, I call on the Staff Council, Faculty Senate and ASUNM to join me in requesting that the president ban skateboards from campus.
Greg G¢mez
UNM staff and student
