Frederick, MD Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

1 treats skateboards as a category of "non-motorized wheeled vehicle" alongside bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates and scooters. The default rule is permissive: an individual may use a non-motorized wheeled vehicle on any City property. Two carve-outs flip that default to a ban. First, within the Frederick Town Historic District (excluding Carroll Creek Linear Park itself), anyone older than ten may not use a non-motorized wheeled vehicle on City property at all. Second, inside Carroll Creek Linear Park, anyone older than ten may not use any non-motorized wheeled vehicle except a bicycle; bicycles are additionally barred between Court Street and Wisner Street during a Parks and Recreation-permitted event.

Walking a bike or board by hand is not a violation. The Deputy Director for Parks and Recreation can post signs banning specific vehicle types at specific City locations, and using a vehicle contrary to a posted sign is its own violation. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen may carve out exceptions by resolution, and City employees performing official duties are exempt from the age-based bans. Riders of any age must operate without careless or reckless conduct, must yield right-of-way to pedestrians, and anyone under 16 must wear a helmet meeting Maryland Transportation Article standards (helmet violations draw a warning and educational materials rather than a fine). The Frederick Police Department, Department of Code Enforcement, and park enforcement agents all have authority to enforce this section.