Fellow Sacramento Skating Email Group Members,

Below is a copy of the email I have sent to Sacramento Bee Reporter,
Yony Bizjack.

Tony Bizjack,

Thank you for your Saturday, April 10, 2004, article on bikers and
the American River Parkway. This email is to add the skating
dimension to your consideration.

In 1998 and 1999 skaters spoke several times with the City Council
and the County Board of Supervisors. Finally, the year 2000 was
used as a trial year. For one full year skaters were allowed to use
the American River Parkway. After a successful trial and State
legislation, skaters were allowed to use the American River Parkway
on a permanent basis effective January 1, 2001. The American River
Parkway, like all other trails in the United States, became a multi-
use-trail.

I do not know the exact percentages, but I guess that about 5 to 10
percent of the recreational users and commuters on the American
River Parkway are skaters. If you look, you will see them. As I
said before, the American River Parkway is officially a multi-use
trail.

I have frequently used the American River Parkway to commute to
college classes at the Ethan Way Center of American River College.

Skating is a more strenuous aerobic exercise than bike riding. More
sweat and more calories. Also more fun.

For more information, visit the Sacramento Skating website. You can
find it at http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/anchor/288/ or by
searching for Sacramento Skating.

Bernard E. Scoville, Director of the Sacramento Skate Patrol