© 2024 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ohio Lawmakers Consider Outlawing 'Skitching' on a Skateboard

Photo of Thomas West
The Ohio House of Representative

A state lawmaker from Canton has introduced a bill to outlaw skateboarding while being towed by a vehicle.

The “Dallas Swogger” Act is named after a 16-year-old from Canton who died last year after he was injured skateboarding behind a moving vehicle.

State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) says it’s already illegal to get towed if you’re on a bicycle, roller skates, a sled or a number of other items, but skateboards aren’t on that list.

“The goal of this bill is to create prevention and awareness," says West, "but also make people know that it’s not OK to allow individuals to hold on to a moving vehicle while riding a skateboard.”

Anyone violating the law could be charged with a misdemeanor.