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addendum: Nagle also advocated closing the Zoo Max station in the evenings and rigorous monitoring of any skaters on the train for valid tickets. These folks also tried to get the reggae festival in Washington Park yanked and have complained that there is too much parking at the Zoo and one of the lots needs to be taken out.

They also complained that people accuse them of being rich NIMBY f-tards. Gee, I wonder why?

When is the next meeting? I am new to downhill skating and have been going to Switchbacks and Mt. Tabor almost everyday. I always watch out for bikers and pedestrians. I always say hi and am generally friendly to everyone I come in contact with, because I realize that skating on those streets is a privilege and I don't want to lose it. It is unfortunate that the actions of some skaters might ruin it for everyone. I know it might be extreme, but I imagine that I am in someone else's yard when I skate those areas. I don't smoke, litter (including stickers), or urinate in those areas (actions I have seen other skaters doing).

I would like to attend the next meeting to show that not all skaters are causing problems. I am no different from a jogger or a biker when I use those streets. Also, I want to let them know that if they ban skating at Switchbacks or Tabor, there will be more accidents and injuries, because skaters will be forced to find other streets that aren't blocked off to cars.

I'm not trying to preach and I don't think I'm perfect, but more skaters using these areas need to appreciate the privilege we have to skate areas in Portland. We don't need to push back, but we need to listen to the concerns of other street users and locals. I think we can agree that some skaters are acting in ways that hurts our cause. Many bikers, joggers, walkers, and locals have a bad attitude towards anyone on a skateboard, but I make a point to wave and say hi to them. Often, their grimace turns to a smile.

There's an older guy who always looked angry when I saw him at Switchbacks. I always say hi to him. The other day, he said, "You're getting better." I smiled and said "thanks." I think he appreciated that I was friendly and considerate and hopefully his attitudes towards skaters has changed a bit.

You don't have to be a boy scout on a skateboard, but don't be a punk if you want to continue to have the privilege to skate these areas.

Quote from on November 10, 2011, 18:11
You all have a man down on Fairview tonight. It looked real bad. An ambulance was on the way. I hope for his sake and for the sake of the woman who hit him that he's okay.

Damn. I hate hearing about stuff like this. Hope he's alright.

Condolences to the rider and his/her family, but cmon, man! Bad timing to get risky on Zoobomb!

I doubt that would happen.... the cops are on our side believe it or not. they know we love to skate zoobomb and they have no problem with it as long as we are safe about it.