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Bethlehem, PA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Codified Ordinances § 951.13
Area covered
Downtown Pedestrian Malls (Hinge Block area)
Also barred
Roller skates and other recreational devices
Enforcers
Parks and Public Property Dept., Police Dept.
First offense fine
$200 or 30 days

Summary

Bethlehem prohibits roller skating, skateboarding or operating any recreational-type device on the city's downtown Pedestrian Malls, an area defined by boundaries around Broad, Main, Walnut and Guetter Streets. Violations carry the same tiered fine schedule as other mall rules.

951.13 ROLLER SKATES. No person shall roller skate, ride on a skate board or operate any recreational type device on the Pedestrian Malls nor shall any person permit same to be operated. (Ord. 2910 - Passed 11/15/83.)

View official code

Full Breakdown

13, titled Roller Skates, states that no person shall roller skate, ride on a skate board or operate any recreational-type device on the Pedestrian Malls, nor permit someone else to do so. 01, which covers specific downtown blocks including the Hinge Block bounded by Broad Street, Main Street, Walnut Street and Guetter Street. 14). 22 to both the Department of Parks and Public Property and the Department of Police, who may issue citations for any Article 951 violation. 00 fine instead. The ordinance traces to Ord. 2910, passed November 15, 1983, when the Pedestrian Malls conduct code was adopted.

Violations & Fines

Skateboarding or roller skating on the Pedestrian Malls violates § 951.13 and is punishable under § 951.99: $200/30 days first offense, $500/60 days second offense, $1,000/90 days third and subsequent offenses, enforceable by Bethlehem Police or Parks and Public Property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you skateboard on Bethlehem's Pedestrian Mall?
No. Section 951.13 of the Codified Ordinances prohibits riding a skateboard, roller skating, or operating any recreational-type device anywhere on the downtown Pedestrian Malls, and allowing someone else to do so is also barred.
Who enforces the skateboarding ban on Bethlehem's Pedestrian Mall?
Section 951.22 gives both the Department of Parks and Public Property and the Bethlehem Police Department authority to issue citations for violating any section of Article 951, including the skateboard and roller-skate rule.
What is the fine for skateboarding on Bethlehem's Pedestrian Mall?
Under § 951.99, a first violation carries a fine of $200 or up to thirty days imprisonment, rising to $500/60 days for a second violation and $1,000/90 days for a third and every violation after that.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bethlehem

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All Bethlehem rules

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