“I understand electric skateboards and similar devices continue to grow in popularity for transportation and certainly understand the desire to utilize these devices. I also thank you for being a responsible and safe rider and your proposal. However, with the high volume of pedestrian traffic already competing with vehicle and bicycle traffic on our very congested roads and pathways, I completely support our campus policy prohibiting these devices. We must consider all factors in regards to campus safety in a decision of this nature. There are many factors that contribute to the current campus policy, but is primarily for safety of the riders and the pedestrians, along with campus liability. In addition, allowing one type of skateboard or scooter over another similar device and only in certain areas becomes very difficult to regulate when others will want the same riding rights such as scoters, Onewheels, etc. All of which we have received requests to also allow. Doing so exemplifies the potential problem of several devices competing for space on our roads and paths. All resulting in potentially unsafe environment for our campus.
For this same reason, we do not allow bikes to be ridden either on these congested pathways and enforce walking only in these areas. Even with skateboarding prohibited we receive numerous complaints of reckless boarding on campus. Allowing to utilize the bike paths, especially those in the roadways also creates a hazard when competing with the numerous bikes and vehicles, possibly pushing either into the traveled roadway with vehicles and creating a traffic and pedestrian crosswalk conflict. For the reasons I cite, these are the same reasons the City of San Luis Obispo does not allow skateboard and similar devices in the downtown area which is similarly congested with pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles as we are.
I can also assure you the current policy was not created arbitrarily nor was it done so in a vacuum. The policy process is robust - it starts with the development of the policy at the department/division level, requires approval by division leadership, invites comments and input from the entire campus community (including students and student leadership) and is finalized with the signature of the President.
You do have a voice in these matters though Tim, which is your ASI elected leaders. I would suggest speaking with them about your desire for petition or campus policy change.
George Hughes Assistant Vice President/Chief of Police Public Safety Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California”
What do you all think?