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Medford, OR Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Medford Code § 6.430(1)
Restricted zone
Bear Creek to Sixth/Oakdale/Tenth
Exception
Signed designated bicycle path
Related headgear rule
§ 5.615 on city property
Added by
Ord. No. 2011-188, Oct. 6, 2011

Summary

Medford bans riding a skateboard, scooter or bicycle on sidewalks within a defined downtown zone bounded by Bear Creek, Sixth Street, Oakdale Avenue and Tenth Street, unless official signs mark a designated bicycle path. Riders elsewhere in the city are not restricted by this section.

No person shall operate a skateboard, scooter or bicycle on a sidewalk within the area bound by Bear Creek, the north right-of-way of Sixth Street, the west right-of-way of Oakdale Avenue, and the south right-of-way of Tenth Street, except where official signs mark a designated bicycle path.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).

Full Breakdown

430(1) of the Medford Code provides that no person shall operate a skateboard, scooter or bicycle on a sidewalk within the area bound by Bear Creek, the north right-of-way of Sixth Street, the west right-of-way of Oakdale Avenue, and the south right-of-way of Tenth Street, except where official signs mark a designated bicycle path. That zone covers the core of downtown Medford, so skateboarders and scooter riders passing through downtown sidewalks must walk their equipment or use the street unless they are on a signed bicycle path.

The prohibition was added by Ordinance No. 052 standard. 615. Enforcement of both sections falls to the Medford Police Department as part of general code enforcement in the public right-of-way.

Violations & Fines

Violating the Section 6.430 sidewalk restriction is a code violation enforceable by the Medford Police Department. Riding without required headgear on city property under Section 5.615 is a separate offense from the sidewalk restriction and can be cited independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride my skateboard on downtown Medford sidewalks?
No, not within the zone defined in Section 6.430(1): bounded by Bear Creek, the north right-of-way of Sixth Street, the west right-of-way of Oakdale Avenue, and the south right-of-way of Tenth Street, unless you are on a sidewalk marked with an official designated bicycle path sign.
Does the skateboard sidewalk ban apply outside downtown Medford?
No. Section 6.430(1) only restricts the specific area bounded by Bear Creek, Sixth Street, Oakdale Avenue and Tenth Street; sidewalks outside that zone are not covered by this section.
Do skateboarders need to wear a helmet in Medford?
On city-owned property closed to motor vehicles, yes. Section 5.615 makes it an offense to ride a skateboard there without protective headgear meeting the ORS 815.052 standard, separate from the downtown sidewalk restriction in Section 6.430.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Medford

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