EMMA PIRHALA / NEWS EDITOR

Prior to Thanksgiving break, signage reminding students of the ongoing campus regulation banning scooters and skateboards from plazas appeared. The signs, seen near Maher Hall, state that “No skateboards or scooters [are] allowed on plazas.” Although the Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that the regulation has been in place, the signs remained a surprise to students who were unaware of the rule.

USD sophomore Maliya Ninofranco shared that she learned about the rules from the posted signs, but explained that she is not annoyed by skateboarders. 

“[Skateboarders] do not annoy me because I understand that people  are just trying to get around campus,” Ninofranco said.

A statement from DPS to The USD Vista elaborated on the policy.

“Our policy on self-propelled skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades has not changed,” the statement read. “All self-propelled devices are prohibited west of Degheri Hall and East of Copley Library, which is known as the center of campus, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.”

The Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities provides information regarding other policies surrounding the use of bicycles, electric bikes, scooters and rollerblades. 

“Riding is never permitted on the steep grades adjacent to the Jenny Craig Pavilion and the steep grade leading to the west gate entrance,” the code read. 

DPS remained committed to the policy, further elaborating that those who violate the regulation will be penalized accordingly. However, the statement issued to The USD Vista did not clarify what the repercussions would be.

“Signs reminding students not to ride on the plaza were set up a few weeks ago as a reminder,” DPS stated. “Those who violate USD’s policy may be subject to disciplinary action.”

The policy remains intact in light of other legislation within the state and city. The state of California, as well as the City of San Diego, recently passed laws which prohibit the use of electric bicycles and electric scooters on all sidewalks.

“Recent laws passed in California prohibit the riding of electric bicycles (E-bikes), and electric scooters on all sidewalks, CA Vehicle code sections 21200-21235,” the DPS statement explained. “Additionally, laws pertaining to electric skateboards, electric single-wheel boards, and other Electronically Motorized Boards (EMBs) prohibit them from being used on sidewalks and require them to operate on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. CA Vehicle Code section 21294. The City of San Diego also has several Municipal Codes that prohibit the riding of various skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades in certain areas (SDMC 84.12).”

Although USD’s campus is considered private property, state laws still apply. However, skateboards and electric scooters remain a common sight on campus sidewalks with many students opting to utilize the mode of transportation to get across campus. Some USD students are taking action against the ban, such as first-year Reed Lanham, who created sculptures to protest the regulation. Lanham explained his reasoning behind the sculptures.

“The sculpture consists of three protest signs promoting the idea that skateboarding is not a crime,” Lanham shared.

Students, like Lanham, share similar sentiments regarding the continued ban. Lanham described why he supports overturning the ban. 

“The skateboard ban feels like something the school did to control their liability rather than keep the campus safe,” Lanham detailed. “Personally, as a skateboarder, I take a high responsibility in keeping people around me safe and understanding that I am the one who could cause an injury. Despite this, I still find that the school bans skateboarding in order to please the aesthetic of the school. Another reason I am against the skateboarding ban is due to a student’s ability to cross campus in a timely manner especially when coming from the Valley or Vistas. This truly becomes a problem when the tram service on campus is inadequate for most students. The [Valley Express tram] does not run past noon and it is hard to catch or have enough seats. This makes skating to class super helpful because, skating to class saves me about 15 minutes to get from Valley to [Camino Hall].”

Despite the restrictions, many students continue to ride motorized and self-propelled scooters, bikes and skateboards throughout campus. 

Three sculptures made by USD first-year Reed Lanham protest the skateboard ban. Lauren Ceballos/The USD Vista