Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County – As the weather continues to warm up, police in Wilkes-Barre are warning skateboarders and bicyclists to watch where they ride.
Thanks to a run in with police a few weeks ago Timmy Market, a Kingston resident, knows that warning all to well.
“We’re just kids riding skateboards,” Market said. “We’re not looking to do any harm.”
No matter the intention Wilkes-Barre police are reminding people that skateboarding in the business district is illegal.
The city ordinance essentially bans skateboarding in public square, and a four block radius around it.
Market’s said that’s a problem because there’s no skate park nearby.
“The closest one is in Taylor,” he said. “Plus, you have to pay to get in. Not all of us have that kind of money to blow.”
The ordinance is a little looser for those on a bikes. They’re allowed on the streets but not on the sidewalks.
John Gray, a Plymouth resident, said he feels that’s putting riders at risk.
“You ride in the road you will get hit,” Gray said. “If you ride on the sidewalk you won’t get hit.”
Carl Eichorn, a Wilkes-Barre resident, said he’s okay with the ordinances. He feels like both make it easier to walk on the sidewalks. However, he would just like to see them enforced more.
Eichorn also believes trails designed for riding could make everyone’s life a little easier.
“They should work on something to make a bike trail,” he said. “You could even walk dogs there.”
If anyone is found breaking the ordinances they face potential fines. Those fines could reach around 100 dollars.
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