Law targets speeding on skateboards

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles officials on Tuesday banned skateboard “bombing” – in which skaters zoom down steep hills at up to 40 mph – in response to two teen deaths.

The measure will go to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for approval, and would take effect 30 days later if he signs it.

Councilman Joe Buscaino introduced the measure after two deaths in his district. In November, Michael Borojevich, 14, died 11 days after a sustaining a skateboarding injury and in January, Caleb Daniel Simpson, 15, was killed while skating down a hill.

The law would require skateboarders to stop at stop signs and obey posted speed limits. It would also ban bicyclists or drivers from towing skateboarders. Violators could face penalties of up to $250.

Buscaino said the laws were necessary because police told him the traffic laws were outdated and allowed some to skate past their reach.