Oh, so the highway speed limit does apply to skateboards. - Tilted Forum Project - TFP - Sexuality, Philosophy and Political Discussion

MSD · 09-03-2008, 03:07 PM

Cops hunt speedy skateboarder - Vehicular weirdness - MSNBC.com

Quote:

BERLIN - Police are trying to track down a man filmed riding a skateboard down a steep stretch of highway at 62 mph, far above the speed limit.

The man who raced down southern Germany's Ulm-Stuttgart highway for two miles before he stopped and fled is believed to be a professional stuntman, Goeppingen police spokesman Uli Stoeckle said.

A video of the skateboarder, broadcast on German television networks on Wednesday, showed a helmeted figure wearing a red and white protective suit building up speed by holding onto the back of a motorcycle before letting go and freewheeling.

"We put out an all-points bulletin and have received information that gives us useful clues to who the man may be," Stoeckle said. "We are particularly concerned about copycats who may imitate the stunt, putting their lives at risk."

The film clips show several cars escorting the skateboarder, enabling his collaborators to record the event. The clips have since surfaced on Internet websites.

'Substantial fine'
The German magazine Stern said the mystery man is known in skateboarding circles as a professional stuntman and takes part in international downhill skateboarding competitions.

Stoeckle said the man faces charges for interfering with traffic safety and endangering motorists, and would lose his driver's license and face a "substantial fine." He denied media reports the skateboarder would face a one-year jail sentence.

There are no speed limits on German highways but there are restrictions on many sections, especially steep and dangerous stretches. The section the skateboarder was using has an 50 mph speed limit.

Just from the headline, it kind of sounded like fun until I thought about the last time I skateboarded and fell over trying to kick while moving. I also broke the board during an attempted ollie, so I'm not going to be trying this anytime soon.

Seems like he deserves a fine for it, but I'm not sure about jail time and I really don't see how they can justify revoking his license unless they're assuming he would do dumb shit like this in a car. Being somewhat of a thrill seeker myself, I can say pretty confidently that he knew he could get in serious trouble doing this and is enjoying being "on the run."

and I'd be an asshole if I didn't include the video

YouTube - Autobahn A8 ULM-Stuttgart Skateboarding

BadNick · 09-03-2008, 03:42 PM

I wouldn't be able to do that but I like the idea. When we drive by a long steep hill, my kids often suggest it would be an awesome skateboard slope. Last year they zoomed down one in the neighborhood on scooters and now they call it dead man's hill...though nobody got hurt. I can understand police concern for safety...but I'd take a lighter attitude about it.

luciferase75 · 09-05-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadNick

I can understand police concern for safety...but I'd take a lighter attitude about it.

I second that.

I had a buddy that rode his board down a hill at night. The hill terminates in a 90 degree turn, so when he hit the bottom I just saw this silhouette of a dude flying through the air in a classic cartoon form, complete with board a foot or 2 under his airborn feet. Then we heard crashing into bushes about 10-15 feet from the edge of the road. Hilarity ensued and we still laugh about that night to this day.

dlish · 09-05-2008, 01:17 AM

good story lucifer..

this guy remind me of a speedstar on a motorbike i saw a while back, Ghostrider.

in the end they all end up getting caught. though i dont mind people doing this if it doesnt affect anyone else and at their own peril, but i have issues with people doing it to the total disregard for public safety.

cant imagine what sort of wheels he has on that thing!

the jury is out on this one. i will just say that he's got balls.

SSJTWIZTA · 09-05-2008, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadNick

Last year they zoomed down one in the neighborhood on scooters and now they call it dead man's hill...though nobody got hurt.

just dont let them do that crap on a skateboard.

if they hit one rock they're in for a world of hurt.

ive had skinless palms a few times.

Ilow · 09-09-2008, 09:20 PM

Pretty awesome, I'll say that. Like a good Libertarian, I say that if it is not negatively affecting anyone else, then who gives a shit. The Police are likely concerned that this stunt will cause a bunch of (probably less skilled) copycats who will disrupt the flow of traffic by splattering themselves all over the highway.

09-05-2008, 01:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
dlish Currently sour but formerly Dlishs Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Australia/UAE	good story lucifer.. this guy remind me of a speedstar on a motorbike i saw a while back, Ghostrider. in the end they all end up getting caught. though i dont mind people doing this if it doesnt affect anyone else and at their own peril, but i have issues with people doing it to the total disregard for public safety. cant imagine what sort of wheels he has on that thing! the jury is out on this one. i will just say that he's got balls. __________________ An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere "Romance is never having to apologize for getting it in her hair" - World's King

09-09-2008, 09:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ilow Junkie Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pats country	Pretty awesome, I'll say that. Like a good Libertarian, I say that if it is not negatively affecting anyone else, then who gives a shit. The Police are likely concerned that this stunt will cause a bunch of (probably less skilled) copycats who will disrupt the flow of traffic by splattering themselves all over the highway. __________________ "Religion is the one area of our discourse in which it is considered noble to pretend to be certain about things no human being could possibly be certain about" --Sam Harris

09-03-2008, 03:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
BadNick sometimes Bad...sometimes not Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	I wouldn't be able to do that but I like the idea. When we drive by a long steep hill, my kids often suggest it would be an awesome skateboard slope. Last year they zoomed down one in the neighborhood on scooters and now they call it dead man's hill...though nobody got hurt. I can understand police concern for safety...but I'd take a lighter attitude about it.