Greenwich, CT Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Section 14-38 of the Greenwich Code of Ordinances, in force since 1953 and most recently amended May 21, 2009, singles out skateboards and skates for tighter street-level restrictions than it places on bicycles. Subsection (b) flatly prohibits skateboarding or skating on any sidewalk or other public area identified in Schedule IXA, and separately bars skateboarding on any public Town roadway outright, a roadway ban the ordinance does not extend to bicycles. Subsection (a) defines 'skate' to mean any roller skate or in-line skate and confirms that skaters keep the same rights and duties as pedestrians under other Town ordinances and state law.

Subsection (e) requires anyone operating a skateboard or skates at night to wear reflective clothing visible from at least fifty feet from the front, side and rear when lit by standard low-beam headlamps; a bicyclist meets the equivalent requirement with reflectors instead of clothing. Subsection (d)'s right-of-way rule still applies when a skater uses a sidewalk or public area, requiring a yield to pedestrians and an audible warning before passing. A parent or guardian who knowingly lets a minor child skateboard in violation of the ordinance is separately liable under subsection (f), and subsection (g) requires any Greenwich business selling or renting skateboards or skates to post a copy of the ordinance in a conspicuous place so customers know the rules before they leave the shop.

The Greenwich Police Department enforces the ordinance, and the roadway and sidewalk restrictions apply throughout Town, including business districts such as Greenwich Avenue where Schedule IXA designates restricted sidewalks.