transportation

The article regarding Dangerous skateboarding in Seattle (Page B-1, Oct. 15) is one that I believe will be an upcoming attraction for lawmakers in the near future.

Bikes are considered vehicles in the same way as cars, and I think in the future skateboards will be also. I personally put roughly 10 miles under my board a week commuting. I skate in the bike lanes or sidewalk and sometimes the street. Fortunately, my hometown has wide streets but unfortunately no bike lanes.

What it really comes down to is common sense. What is common sense? Well first of all, skateboarders, like bikers, should be going the same way as traffic. Second of all, skateboarders can use the (often unused) biking hand signals. I know I signal my braking and turning more than most cars do. When riding in the street it would seem unwise to ride with your headphones on. And if riding in a crowded area, a helmet certainly isn't a bad idea.

Lawmakers and car owners need to know that there are multiple ways to stop on a skateboard. I for one know I am able to stop in at least four different ways depending on the given situation. It seems like people assume that a person using a man-powered vehicle with four wheels is inexperienced and using it solely destroy property. In the article, pretty much every use of the word "skateboarder" could be replaced with "inexperience biker" or "inexperienced driver" or "that person that finds it necessary to power walk in the street." Once people see that skateboarding is another efficient and green way to get around town, I believe bikers, skaters, and cars can all work together.

Thank you for your time.

Peter Croce

Seattle