Working Session focused on discussing potential adjustments to the regulations surrounding rollerblading and skateboarding in Chattanooga. The key points and structure of the discussion can be outlined as follows:

Introduction and Purpose:

1. The meeting began with a brief introduction, acknowledging the attendees and expressing appreciation for their time.
2. The primary purpose was to consider making adjustments to how rollerblading and skateboarding are regulated in Chattanooga, motivated by previous discussions at a council meeting.

Background and Concerns:

1. A review of concerns raised by council members in a past meeting was provided, including issues related to safety and the current regulations prohibiting rollerblading and skateboarding in certain areas of the city.
2. The speaker mentioned that the conversation aimed to open up a more casual discussion on potential changes, without having altered any official language yet.

Presentation of Current Situation:

1. The speaker provided slides showing how multimodal transportation is evolving, including images and examples of different modes of transportation used in the city, highlighting the inconsistent treatment of various transportation methods under current laws.
2. An overview of the current ordinance prohibiting skateboards and aggressive skates in downtown areas was presented, along with its rationale and the limitations it imposes on residents' transportation choices.

Legal Considerations and Pedestrian Laws:

1. A review of Tennessee's pedestrian laws was provided, outlining the responsibilities of drivers to avoid injuring pedestrians and highlighting the rights pedestrians have, including those not using traditional modes of transportation like walking.

Goals for Ordinance Change:

1. Two main goals were identified: to decriminalize rollerblading and skateboarding in certain areas and to establish clear safety and behavior expectations for their use.
2. Proposed changes to the ordinance were discussed, focusing on lifting the ban while protecting property and ensuring safe behavior.

Council Feedback and Discussion:

1. Council members expressed concerns about safety, the impact on pedestrians, and potential legal liabilities for the city.
2. The discussion also touched on the enforcement of current laws, the actual occurrence of citations for rollerblading and skateboarding, and the consideration of infrastructure and designated areas for safer use of these modes of transportation.
3. Suggestions for modifying the proposal included adding safety equipment requirements, speed restrictions, and specifying areas where rollerblading and skateboarding would be allowed.

Conclusion and Next Steps:

1. While recognizing the need for modernizing city laws to accommodate new modes of transportation, there was a consensus that more consideration and possibly infrastructure improvements are needed before making changes.
2. It was suggested that additional information and perhaps a draft of revised language addressing safety and designated areas for rollerblading and skateboarding could be beneficial for further discussion.

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