Andales pushes amendment to Cebu City Traffic Code
An amendment to the Traffic Code of Cebu City is being proposed to prohibit roller skating and skateboarding in all roadways and sidewalks in the city to avoid accidents.
Councilor Sisinio Andales submitted his proposed amendment after he had observed that several people are doing it freely anytime of the day.
"There is a need to prohibit roller skating and/or roller blading, or similar activities, in all roadways (including national roads) and its sidewalks in Cebu City to avoid accidents which may endanger the lives and limbs of any constituent in Cebu City," the proposed measure reads.
Andales, who was designated deputy mayor for transportation, said the city government should prioritize the safety of the people and the other motorists and pedestrians.
"There are people who are into the physical activity or hobby of roller skating, roller blading, or riding similar devices where they ride a skateboard or wear roller blades, or ride similar device to take them from one place to another," he said.
Andales said he is not against these activities if done in proper places and provided that all safety requirements are being complied with.
"These activities, when done in roadways and/or its sidewalks may pose danger and hazards not only to the motorists and/or pedestrians but also to the roller skaters or roller bladders themselves," he said.
As of now, the Cebu City Ordinance 801 or the Traffic Code of the City does not include the prohibition of the mentioned activities in the interior streets and national roads in the city.
Andales said the Office of the Mayor may designate or specify the area or areas in public places within Cebu City which may be used for roller skating or roller blading.
He said Mayor Tomas Osmeña can further issue additional guidelines to regulate the use of roller skates and skateboards.
Cebu City Transportation Office head Rafael Yap said the office is supporting the proposed amendment to the traffic code.
Yap, however, said his office has yet to collate the number of accidents related to skateboarding.
"Support mi. Skateboard and roller skates are recreational. Unlike bicycles, they were never meant to be a form of transportation," he said.