Teenagers have nowhere to enjoy skateboarding
Skateboarding has been around for many years and youngsters all over the globe enjoy it as either a sport or a hobby.
Skating in streets has become nearly impossible for these teenagers as the law prohibits them from doing so.
Marion Friedenthal, a concerned parent of one such skater, says her son loves skateboarding but knows he can’t do it in the streets.
“As the parent of a teenage son who has a skateboard and who, together with his friends, is passionate about skating, I was wondering if there is anywhere in Springs where the children can skateboard without being on the wrong side of the law,” she says.
She adds that skateboarders are a completely misunderstood and ignored group of children, who are not hooligans and do not normally engage in activities such as drinking and drugging.
The Ekurhuleni bylaw states that no person shall drive or ride on roller skates, skateboards or any other toy vehicle in any street without the written consent of the council and on such conditions as may be determined by the Council.
Marion doesn’t know where her son can practice his hobby without being on the wrong side of the law.
Ward Councillor Ramesh Sheodin says it will not benefit the municipality to build a facility that will only be used by a few people.
The Addie has contacted Ekurhuleni, but has not yet received a response.
