New Skateboard, Scooter, Skating Rules Could Roll Into Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Where can you use a scooter, skateboard or rollerblade in Morristown? The answer could change if Town Council takes action.

The governing body will consider Tuesday whether to introduce an ordinance that amends where people can use such vehicles. If the council votes to introduce the ordinance, they could pass it at a future meeting.

The ordinance (see page 16 of the meeting agenda) would scrap current Morristown rules which prohibit skateboarding, rollerblading and rollerskating at any park. It would also delete a law that prohibits people older than 12 from skateboarding, rollerblading or using a scooter or any similar device on any sidewalk, except in certain scenarios such as newspaper delivery.

But Morristown wouldn't become a giant skatepark. The ordinance up for consideration would implement new restrictions.

If passed, nobody over age 12 would be allowed to use a skateboard, scooter, rollerblades, rollerskates or other "human powered personal transportation" on the following business-district sidewalks:

• Speedwell Avenue between Sussex Avenue and the Green
• Morris Avenue between Elm Street and the Green
• North Park Place
• West Park Place
• South Park Place
• East Park Place

Anyone on such devices would have to yield to pedestrians, and helmets would be required for anyone under 17. People using such devices wouldn't be allowed to use benches or other infrastructure for doing tricks.

The virtual meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Click here for instructions on accessing the meeting. See the full agenda.

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