Skatestopper
Skatestopper is a brand-name of skate-deterrent device emplaced on urban terrain features such as benches and hand rails to discourage skating on the surface where the devices have been installed. The name Skatestopper is a registered trademark of Intellicept of El Cajon, California, USA.[1] Over one-million Skatestoppers have been installed worldwide at over 10,000 locations. [2] Skatestoppers are designed to be used in conjunction with warning signs and are not intended to eliminate the sport of skateboarding, rollerblading, or in-line scooting.[3] In some circles of skateboarding culture, Skatestopper has become a genericized trademark referring to any purpousely-installed device designed to discourage skateboarding.
Necessity
Property owners may install Skatestopers to prevent property damage resulting from skateboarders grininding on curbs, benches, and ledges.[citation needed]
Positive Reception
Skatestoppers can reduce costly repairs incurred by property owners. Repair costs resulting from skateboarding damage can sometimes reach tens-of-thousands of dollars.[4]
Criticism
Skatestoppers have been described as a mantrap by some skateboarders.[citation needed] A skateboarder attempting to skate on a surface where Skatestoppers have been installed face a greater risk of injury than skating on a surface unencumbered by Skatestoppers, or may find skateboarding impossible.[citation needed] Skatestoppers are sometimes installed at previously unencumbered skate spots where skateboarders may be unaware of the presence of the devices, resulting in bodily injury.[citation needed]
The validity of any claimed hazard may be contentious, as Skatestoppers are not intended to be installed without signage alerting skaters to the presence of these deterrents.[citation needed]
Competition
Companies which produce a competing skate-deterrent device include GrinderMinders[5] and Stopagrind[6] .
References
- ^ "Skate Deterrent System". Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Skatestoppers". Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Skate Stoppers Can Save You Money". Retrieved 29 Aril 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Skate Stoppers Can Save You Money". Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Grind to a Halt". Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Stopagrind Skateboard Deterrents http://www.stopagrind.com/. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
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