Like it or not, skateboarders must wear helmets in village

MILLERTON — When skateboarders hit the streets without their helmets, and get caught by the police, there are ramifications. The skateboard is confiscated by the police and not returned until a parent appears to take claim of the board. The child is given a stern talk about the importance of wearing a safety helmet.

In a case last week, that scenario happened, with the exception that the juvenile (who was under the age of 16 and therefore will not be identified) also made a brief appearance before the Village Board with his mother.

"I knew before that we’re supposed to wear helmets when we skate, but I skated for two years and never before have [the police] bothered me," the teenager said. "Now all of a sudden, they’re bothering me."

"There could be all sorts of reasons why," replied Millerton Mayor John Scutieri. "It’s the law, even with children on bicycles — they have to wear helmets. It’s important to wear a helmet."

Millerton Police Chief Richard Howard listed the sports for which helmets are required.

"Skateboards, in-line skates, scooters, bicycles, they’re all included in that law, which is a New York state traffic law," he said, adding it applies to teens under the age of 16. "We’re not picking on anybody in particular. We’re just doing our best to [keep things safe]."

"Maybe you can go and tell your friends that they’ve got to wear a helmet too," suggested village Trustee Marty Markonic.

The young man said he would, and that he would start to wear a helmet himself, if that’s what it would take to get his skateboard returned.

"Remember," after some banter, Scutieri said. "We’re sitting here making a little fun of it, but it’s serious, and if you continue to not wear your helmet, we will take away your skateboard again."