Flagstaff, AZ Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Skateboard defined at
- City Code § 9-05-001-0002(O)
- Signed trails
- Arizona Trail, Nate Avery Trail, Buffalo Park
- Sidewalk/path duty
- Yield to pedestrians, signal before passing
- Trail sign violation fine
- $25.00-$75.00 per offense
- Park skateboarding
- Permit required in posted areas
- Helmet required under
- Age 18
Summary
The City of Flagstaff does not ban skateboarding downtown outright, but bars it wherever signs are posted on the Arizona Trail, Nate Avery Trail and Buffalo Park trails, and gives skaters using an allowed sidewalk or multiuse path duties to yield to pedestrians and signal before passing. City parks separately require a permit for skateboarding in areas posted for it.
A. Where signs are erected giving notice thereof on the Arizona Trail, Nate Avery Trail and Buffalo Park trails, no person shall ride an electric or motorized bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric standup scooter, skateboard or lightweight wheeled vehicle upon a sidewalk or multiple use path. Signs prohibiting such activity shall be installed at the Arizona Trail, Nate Avery Trail and Buffalo Park trails locations as directed by the Office of the Traffic Engineer. ... ... C. If a device is authorized to be ridden upon a sidewalk or multiuse path, the person operating the device shall be subject to the following provisions: 1. Yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and exempt vehicles. 2. Give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian or exempt vehicle traveling in the same direction on the sidewalk. 3. Follow requirements of any posted signs relating to proper etiquette while utilizing multiuse paths. D. Penalty. A violation of this section shall be a civil traffic offense punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for each offense.
Full Breakdown
Flagstaff City Code § 9-05-001-0008(A) lets the City post signs on the Arizona Trail, Nate Avery Trail and Buffalo Park trails barring skateboards, along with electric or motorized bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric standup scooters and other lightweight wheeled vehicles, from a sidewalk or multiuse path; the Office of the Traffic Engineer directs where those signs go. Where a skateboard is authorized on a sidewalk or multiuse path, subsection C requires the rider to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and exempt vehicles, give an audible signal before passing anyone traveling the same direction, and follow any posted trail-etiquette signage.
City Code § 9-05-001-0002(O) defines a skateboard simply as 'a platform mounted on wheels that is propelled by human power,' and riders under eighteen must wear a fitted, fastened protective helmet under § 9-05-001-0010. Separately, Flagstaff parks regulate skateboarding under § 8-11-001-0008(M), which lists 'roller skating, skateboards, and bicycling in areas so posted' among the activities that require a City permit on park property, alongside amplified sound, unattended property and other posted-area restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a posted trail sign or failing to yield or signal on a sidewalk or multiuse path is a civil traffic offense under § 9-05-001-0008(D), punishable by a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $75.00 per offense. Skateboarding in a posted park area without the required permit is a violation of the park activities rule at § 8-11-001-0008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skateboarding banned in downtown Flagstaff?
What rules apply if I skateboard on a Flagstaff sidewalk?
Can I skateboard in a Flagstaff park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flagstaff
Compare Flagstaff to another location·View the Arizona public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.