Policy for Use of Skateboards, Inline Skates, Roller Skates, Non-motorized Scooters, and Hoverboards

Summary of Policy

This policy promotes the safe use of skateboards, inline or roller skates and other wheeled devises on campus and highlights the importance of pedestrian, drivers and property safety.

Reason for Policy

To support the safe use of skateboards, inline skates, roller skates and other similar wheeled devices on campus, while the acknowledging the importance of the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and property.

Affected Parties

All Groups

Policy Statement

Members of the Dartmouth community are permitted to use skateboards, inline skates, non-motorized scooters, roller-skates or similar wheeled devices on roads, walkways, or parking lots provided they exercise due caution, yield to pedestrians and do not injure others or damage property or create the potential to do so.

No person may roller skate, inline skate or ride upon any skateboard or similar wheeled device:

  1. within any College building
  2. on the courtyards and plazas associated with College buildings
  3. on any ramp, stairways, landings or handrail, etc.
  4. on walks designated as dismount areas by "No Bicycling" symbols or signs or
  5. on any College structures, including but not limited to benches, walls, sculptures, statues or monuments.

In addition, the use of these devices to perform or attempt tricks or stunts is strictly prohibited on the Dartmouth campus unless specifically approved or as part of a sanctioned university event.

All riders are subject to local state and federal regulations, and are encouraged to wear personal protective equipment. Skateboarders should be aware of and respect the Hanover town ordinance prohibiting use of skateboards on town sidewalks. They should also note that the sidewalks adjacent to town roads throughout the Dartmouth campus are covered by the ordinance.

Exclusions & Exceptions

This policy applies to anyone who uses skateboards, inline skates, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, hoverboards, and other similar wheeled devices on campus.

EXCEPTION:  Effective May 1, 2016, there is a ban on hoverboards that prohibits their use, possession or storage on campus and other Dartmouth owned properties.  This decision was reached based on recommendations by many organizations including the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

This is intended to be a temporary ban until safety concerns related to hoverboards are corrected.

If you own one of these devices, please contact campus.services@dartmouth.edu or call (603) 646-0871 and we will work with you to arrange for removal from campus.

Ramifications

Subject to discipline and may be required to pay for damage. 

Policy ID

005-0002

Effective Date

July 1, 2016

Division

Campus Services

Office of Primary Responsibility

Campus Services Division

Last Reviewed Date

March 14, 2024

Next Review Date

2025