The unreasonable enforcement of an absurd law has reared its ugly head in Ames. Allegedly according to the Ames municipal code 26.7, it is unlawful to rollerblade on Ames city streets. It does not matter whether there is a sidewalk present, or if you have to go a short distance on the street to get to the next nearest sidewalk. So, beware! If you rollerblade to class or rollerblade for fun, the Ames police are waiting to catch criminals like you.

Apparently, I cannot even lawfully leave my own parking lot on rollerblades due to this ordinance and the lack of sidewalks provided by this city. I write this letter to show the absurdity of Ames municipal code 26.7.

I hope it will prevent others from falling victim to this ordinance’s unreasonable enforcement.

Scott G. Ulbrich

Senior

Mechanical Engineering