LA Cracks Down on Unsafe Skateboarding

Los Angeles is clamping down on unsafe skateboarding by coming up with clearer definitions of what counts as dangerous. Under new City Council regulations, high-speed downhill runs known as "bombing" will still be allowed, but skaters will be required to be upright instead of crouching, reports the Los Angeles Times. They are also required to obey a 10mph speed limit when going through intersections, and must obey all traffic signs. Police will have the power to issue $250 fines to offenders.

Cops say the new rules, introduced by a city councilman after two young skaters died while hill-bombing, give them the authority they need to tackle reckless skateboarding. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has said he plans to sign the ordinance. The regulations won't be welcomed by skaters who crave speed runs, but they could have had it a lot worse, notes ESPN. An early draft of the new law banned all skateboarding on city streets, and gave police officers the power to seize offenders' skateboards. (More skateboarding stories.)