Bike and Skateboard Patrol Effort In Downtown Santa Barbara

Written by John Palminteri
Story Created: Feb 1, 2012 PST

Santa Barbara - It's been a collision course in Downtown Santa Barbara and now police are putting the brakes on bikes and skateboards in the wrong places.

The main concern is on the sidewalks. Business owners and some shoppers have said there have been many close calls and some injuries when bike and skateboard riders are on the sidewalks, where it's against the law.

This week a directed enforcement has been taking place.

"Although bicycling on the sidewalk or skateboarding are not serious crimes, in the grand scheme of things they are things that do impact people's quality of life and do have an impact on the economic vitality of our downtown corridor," said Santa Barbara Police Sgt. Riley Harwood.

Business owner Dave Lombardi of Fast Frame feels the bikers and skateboarders can get out of control.

"Sometimes they are very reckless and can be going very fast," he said. "Sometimes they are even being pulled by a dog."

Lombardi is also the Downtown Organization President.

Officers have saturated the downtown area in the last few days to stop and cite bikers and skateboarders who are on the sidewalk.

One business owner said it was an obstacle course on some days.

KEY News Senior Reporter John Palminteri has our story. Click here for a link to the news story.