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Longboarding gaining popularity in Albuquerque

On Behalf of | Feb 12, 2014 | Uncategorized |

You may have noticed an increase in people riding long skateboards around the Albuquerque area in recent months. Known as “longboarding,” this mode of transportation has grown increasingly popular because of the area’s hills, ditches and empty channels, a local news station recently reported.

A longboarder who was interviewed in the news report said that the sport can be enjoyed by almost anyone. He said people who don’t want to go too fast can “cruise a hill and take it pretty mellow,” while the more daring can reach speeds near 60 mph on steep hills in the area.

Of course, anytime non-motorized vehicles are sharing the roads with motorized vehicles or they are traveling at high speeds there are risks involved.

That’s why the University of New Mexico has implemented a campus-wide policy for bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles, including longboards. Here are a few things to keep in mind from the policy, which is enforced by the UNM Police Department:

  • non-motorized vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians at all times.
  • non-motorized vehicles must be under control at all times.
  • acrobatic maneuvers, stunts, trick riding and using excessive speed are prohibited on campus property.

Additionally, there is a UNM committee and student group that addresses concerns such as liability in accidents involving non-motorized vehicles or pedestrians.

Keep in mind that drivers of motor vehicles have a duty to watch out for non-motorized vehicles on the roads. In fact, any time an injury occurs and negligence was involved, there is a possibility that liability in a personal injury lawsuit could apply.

Source: KOB.com, “Longboarding catching on in Albuquerque,” Erica Zucco, Feb. 11, 2014

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