November 01, 2004

Bowling Green, Ky. - Safety concerns and property damage have led to a ban on the use of skateboards, roller skates, roller blades and trick bicycles on Western Kentucky University property.

"The policy has been expanded due to our concern for the possibility of injury on university property to those using these recreational vehicles and due to the extensive damage that has occurred in the last few months to several locations on campus," Howard Bailey, dean of Student Life, said.

Bailey said marble and concrete benches, steps and other campus fixtures have been damaged around the Guthrie Tower and Plaza, the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences and the Downing University Center patio.

"The University has gone to great pains through state and private funding to enhance the beauty of the campus," he said.

Non students who violate the policy can be arrested and held liable for any damage they cause, Bailey said. WKU students will also be subject to University disciplinary actions through the student life judicial system, he said.

The full text of the amended policy reads as follows:

"Due to the damage to University property and to prevent personal injury to students, visitors or others, no person may skateboard or roller skate, or use roller blades, 'free style' or 'trick' bicycles in or on any University buildings, sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, garage, and decks on University property, including but not limited to curbs, benches, rails/railings, monuments or other structures located on any University property. 'Free style' bicycles or 'trick' bicycles are those which are distinguishable from regular bicycles by a horizontal bar on the front and/or rear wheels, used for 'grinding' or sliding across different surfaces.

"Individuals not affiliated with the University violating this policy may be warned or arrested. Individuals affiliated with the University violating this policy may be warned or arrested in addition to being subject to the full range of University disciplinary actions."

For more information, contact Howard Bailey at (270) 745-2791. More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.