Well, it's too bad that some people are intimidated by skateboarders. I personally do not have kids in this age bracket, but I can certainly think of a lot worse things teenagers could be doing (using/selling drugs, vandalism, graffiti). It seems like a comparatively wholesome activity to me. Yes, there are some skateboarders (like members of any group) who cause problems, but the huge majority of them are nice kids, who I would not refer to as "down and out.". All kids need reminders about their manners from time to time. Perhaps we should use our position as adults to remind these kids if we see them acting a little too aggressive that the sidewalks are for pedestrians and to back off, especially when there are small children or the elderly around. I know there is a shortage of "sanctioned" skateboarding locations around. Do any parents of skateboarders have any comments?