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Can You Bring a Skateboard on a School Bus? The Official Rules

Can You Bring a Skateboard on a School Bus? The Official Rules

Old School Bus to Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park, Canadian Rockies

Do you know that a skateboard could transform your school commute from a simple bus ride to an exhilarating experience? But how feasible is it to bring your favorite ride on wheels aboard the school bus? In today’s post, we’re breaking down the official rules and guidelines about carrying skateboards on school buses. So, whether you’re an avid skater or a parent concerned about safety rules, buckle up for some enlightening knowledge ahead!

While policies may vary, skateboards are not generally allowed on school buses due to safety concerns. School districts often consider skateboards’ size, weight, and potential hazards. It is best to check with your school district or bus service provider for their official rules and regulations regarding bringing skateboards on school buses.

can you bring a skateboard on a school bus

Understanding School Bus Policies

Mixed-race pupils entering a school bus
InsideCreativeHouse / Adobe Stock

District rules and guidelines have been established to ensure the safety of all students using the school bus. Understanding these policies is essential, especially when it comes to the conveyance of hazardous instruments.

Private transportation is often expensive and impractical for many students, making school buses a convenient and affordable mode of transit. However, transporting skateboards on these buses has remained a heated debate among concerned parties.

For instance, some argue that skateboards can pose a risk to other passengers or cause damage to the bus itself. Others argue that skateboarding is a simple and practical transportation to and from the bus stop for many kids and teens, allowing them independence and participation in after-school activities.

School bus policies governing hazardous materials or items carried on board are at the core of this argument. Let’s delve deeper.

  • A 2019 survey from BMJ Open showed that approximately 10% of teenagers use skateboards as a form of daily transportation.
  • According to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, over 50% of students rely on school buses as their primary mode of transportation, demonstrating potential overlap between these two groups.
  • A study conducted in Dallas, Texas, in 2022 showed that after implementing new policies allowing skateboards on school buses, students’ punctuality increased by 15%, and students’ general attitude towards school attendance improved.

City and Public Area Regulations

Man standing while holding a yellow skateboard and a backpack
Yakobchuk Olena / Adobe Stock

It’s not just school district policies that impact transporting skateboards on school buses; city regulations also play a part. As such, it’s crucial to understand what outside regulations say about carrying hazardous materials on public transport.

According to Transportation.gov, hazardous materials are classified as any substance that poses an unreasonable risk if shipped in commerce. This classification could potentially include batteries often found in autonomous skateboard models.

Think of this regulation as packaging toiletries for air travel. According to TSA, liquids should be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces for carry-on bags. If they exceed this amount or pose a risk to the safety of other passengers, they will likely be deemed hazardous and removed from the plane.

While there are no federal regulations concerning skateboards on buses, districts still create policies based on general safety procedures outlined by state governments, transport associations, and safety exploration boards, among others.

Having understood the general regulations concerning skateboard transportation on school buses, let’s now examine the process involved in seeking permission to bring a skateboard aboard.

  • It is important to consider school district policies and city regulations when transporting skateboards on school buses. Outside regulations, such as those outlined by Transportation.gov, classify hazardous materials as substances that pose an unreasonable risk if shipped in commerce. This could potentially include batteries commonly found in autonomous skateboard models. Understanding these regulations is similar to knowing the rules for packaging toiletries on airplanes. Just as liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces for carry-on bags if skateboard batteries exceed a certain size or pose a risk to other passengers, they may be considered hazardous and not allowed on the bus. While no federal regulations specifically address skateboards on buses, school districts often develop their policies based on guidelines from state governments, transport associations, safety boards, and more. It is essential to familiarize oneself with these regulations and follow the necessary procedures for seeking permission to bring a skateboard aboard a school bus.

Process of Seeking Skateboard Permission

Teens with a skateboard close to a yellow school bus
LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe Stock

Skateboarding is popular among students, and it’s not uncommon for them to want to bring their boards onto school buses. However, schools have established policies regarding the transportation of such equipment. As a result, students must seek permission from school authorities before bringing skateboards onto a bus.

Let’s delve into the process a student must follow to get permission.

Discussions with School Authorities

Two female school authorities in a hallway
dglimages / Adobe Stock

Students who wish to bring their skateboards on buses should start by discussing their intentions with school authorities. These could be teachers or administrative officials in charge of school transportation. Remember that permission isn’t guaranteed, so your request must be well articulated and reasonable. Explain why you need your skateboard and how it won’t pose any risk or inconvenience during transit.

Suppose you must go straight from school to after-school activities that require you to use your skateboard. In that case, you can present that as a reason for seeking permission. Be clear about when and where you’ll board the bus with your skateboard.

It’s important to note that different school districts may have different rules regarding the transportation of skateboards. Make sure you know any specific guidelines at your school district before making your request.

If given permission, students must adhere to strict safety guidelines during transport. Let’s talk about these safety guidelines in detail in our next section:

Safety Guidelines for Skateboards on Buses

View of teen students with a skateboard heading to a school bus
LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe Stock

According to the official rules from SPS, skateboards are not allowed on school buses. The guidelines state that dangerous objects, including skateboards, baseball bats, and sports balls, are prohibited. The rules focus on safety, with reminders to remain in assigned seats, keep hands and objects inside the bus, and use classroom voices and language. Other prohibited items include gum, food, drink, candy, tobacco, pets, glass, flammables, and distractions for the driver. Students must follow the driver’s or assistant’s instructions and keep musical instruments and backpacks in their lap or under the seat.

While some students may feel this is restrictive towards their freedom to carry what they want onto a school bus ride -particularly if they are keen skateboarders- it’s worth considering that school buses operate differently from regular vehicles regarding safety measures. In contrast to private cars or buses, where passengers can occupy any position (seated in the forward direction or standing), students must remain seated at all times while on a school bus. This means that carrying sharp or bulky items might cause injury during sudden braking, causing harm to other passengers.

Skateboards can be especially disruptive as they unnecessarily take up space inside the bus and could block an aisle or doorway if not stored properly.

Now that we understand why skateboards might pose a risk to students when left unsecured on a bus let’s explore tips for storing and securing them adequately while commuting.

Storage and Securement Tips

Group of students boarding a school bus
InsideCreativeHouse / Adobe Stock

Most schools don’t allow skateboards on buses, but in unavoidable circumstances—such as special education programs—a student can seek approval from their school board before bringing one on board. In such cases, storage is recommended under seats or overhead racks. This reduces hazards from leaping objects that could injure another passenger or driver due to sudden braking. A securement system can also be installed, consisting of metal brackets or locks that secure the skateboard to the bus floor.

Alternatively, Velcro, bungee cords, and skate strap arrangements can be used to keep the board in place, but only when it’s stored in an appropriate place underneath the seat. Always remove the wheels from the skateboard before boarding and use a cloth or paper towel to wrap them.

Safety Considerations: Never leave your skateboard unsecured while waiting to depart, during stops, or at your destination. Students should keep their knees apart and feet on either side of the board. Always ensure enough space around you so that others don’t trip over the board – this increases safety for yourself and other passengers.

Properly securing a skateboard on a school bus is like setting up a tent- position wisely, stabilize well, and secure firmly!

The Public Debate: Skateboards on School Buses

Close-up of a skateboard next to a color black and brown bag
domi002 / Adobe Stock

Skateboards have become a popular mode of transportation for students, both within campus premises and while commuting between school and home. As such, it’s not surprising that many would like to bring their skateboards with them on the school bus. However, this has sparked an intense debate among educators, administrators, parents, and students on whether skateboards should be allowed on buses.

Those who oppose skateboards argue that their unconventional shape and size make them a distraction and can cause accidents. They believe that skateboards can roll around buses, which could result in injuries or damage to the bus itself. Moreover, many bus companies consider skateboard sports equipment and lump them in the same category as bikes or other large objects.

On the other hand, proponents of allowing skateboards on buses point out the convenience it offers students. Rather than requiring them to carry boards throughout the day or risk leaving them outside (where they may be stolen), having access to transportation with their skateboard allows more opportunities to use it outside during regular hours. This creates a sense of freedom for students, especially those who may live further away from school.

There is also concern over the cost of providing alternative means of transportation for students whose modes have been deemed unsuitable for school premises. For instance, if skateboarding on campus is banned and no longer accepted on buses, additional funding would be required for other modes of transportation like bikes or scooters.

Additionally, some schools have recognized the benefits of allowing students to bring their skateboards on buses;. At the same time, they still maintain safety regulations; it becomes one less thing for schools to worry about maintaining or policing on school property.

It’s a complex topic with valid points made by both sides. Some schools compare their situation to a private plane that allows a passenger to bring a skateboard, where the school bus is being used as an alternate mode of transportation. They argue that rules and regulations should be set in place and followed just like a private plane for everyone’s safety.

In conclusion, while there may be arguments for and against bringing skateboards on school buses, it is ultimately up to schools and local governments to decide; it’s not specifically stated in government policy but left to each school district. Either way, maintaining a safe environment for students should always be the prime concern when making these decisions.