Last Week's POTW

Transmenu powered by JoomlArt.com - Mambo Joomla Professional Templates Club

Proud to be Sponsored by

Newsletters

The Free Runner - General Newsletter

WOD - Workout of the Day

EO - Events Only

APK Login

APK Store

APK Capri Pants

$30.00
Add to Cart

Home

Publications

News

No Parkour!

Wednesday, 11 January 2006

This sign was spotted this past weekend in Bethesda Maryland. Bethesda is full of great spots for PK. Apparently, someone doesn't want us there, so what to do about it?

I feel the best option is for us to go about our business the way we always have - Politely, respectfully, and in harmony with our environment. I don't belive there is any constituional law (all law is supposedly based on constitutional law, then interpreted to "interpreted law") that says you can't excercise in public. As long as we are not damaging property, creating a nuisance, endangering ourselves or anyone else, there is no reason for us not to practice Parkour in any public space. Of course this calls into question the definition of public space, and I'll use a simple one, if the public is allowed to walk there without having any business with the owner of the property, then it is public. Now, this doesn't mean you should be allowed to go into a grocery store and do push-ups in the aisle, because that would be disruptive.

APK will be keeping close tabs on this issue and providing more information (and advice) as soon as it's available.

Until then, especially in the Bethesda area, be extra careful, extra polite, and if asked to move on from a spot with a sign, please do so with no hassle. Of course none of this is a change from our usual m.o., just a reminder in the face of a new situation.

Users' Comments

Display 40 of 40 comments

1. 01-11-2006 10:27

i'd say best describes what i think about that. whoever it is just needs to be educated on PK before making a decision to put up a sign like that

mkerunner

2. 01-11-2006 10:40

I was actually thinking about doing light, harmless training there to try and lure out whoever it was who is concerned. when someone comes out, ill politely explain my side, have him explain his, and hopefully we can settle on some polite and peaceful grounds. Not sure about that plan just yet, but i really want to talk to the concerned party and let them know all about parkour before comming to such decisions.
But still, a good rule of thumb is, please dont disrespect property like that. jump here and there, but dont trample plants, STEAL SIGNS, etc. the option of retaliation is OUT OF THE QUESTION, please dont see this as an attack on us, dont come back with full force like disrespectful skaters might do.. thats not what we want to be know for.

Skipper

3. 01-11-2006 10:57

Try finding out who it was who got the sign put up in the first place and then contact them.

InMotion

4. 01-11-2006 11:11

These are all good points. I think that there is little to worry about as far as actual legal trouble is concerned, as we aren't damaging any property.

Now, I would hope that it isn't true, but I have heard rumor that somebody within the DC Parkour community has taken it upon themselves to steal one of these signs. All I can say is that if I find it to be true, they will be dealt with appropriately on the site, as we can't stand for the misappropriation or damage of other's property within our ranks.

gearsighted

5. 01-11-2006 11:42

Not by "one of us" I hope! If it was, please put it back. Stealing doesn't promote Parkour, it helps to destroy it and leave it to the same unfortunate image that skating has :cry

6. 01-11-2006 12:32

That is a great point M2. I think it would also be good for you to contact the owner and say sorry and that it has nothing to do with Parkour or the image Parkour gives them, or it shouldn't give them an image about the lifestyle as skating did.

Flippusmn

7. 01-11-2006 12:54

Wow this really is a sad day, I remember when people were talking about this happening in the future and now it has. Everyone should kept in mind everything M2 said, and please dont let parkour become a skater image.

I would calmly move on and dont ask any questions. security is just doing what they are told, they won't change for you. Best bet is not to argue with them, but instead get in touch with whoever's idea this was and explain our case. The PK letter would be a great start.

Cloud

8. 01-11-2006 13:29

What is a sign going to do? I know they don't want parkour there, but what can they do? Nobody who doesn't do parkour themselves could catch a traceur, and it's way too unlikely that an authority figure that also does parkour put that sign there. I'd just find a new location, or go ahead and jam there.

gainerman_08

9. 01-11-2006 13:38

Quote

Try finding out who it was who got the sign put up in the first place and then contact them.

I think this is the best plan of action.

LegacyWeapon

10. 01-11-2006 13:38

I wouldnt abuse the powers of a traceur too much there. I dont want to do parkour just so i can escape from security when im doing somehting i shouldnt. that will ONLY make things worse.

Skipper

11. 01-11-2006 14:38

A question, is the sign on private propery, but appears to be on public. If it is on the property of a business or establishment, i believe that the person has every right to put it there, because in the eye of some, what we do does seem to be self endangering, even though we know our limits. if it not on private property, but on public, then i believe it is not right for it to include "Parkour type exercises or similiar activities" since we are not harmful to our environment. i think that this arguement should be taken to the county. also i have to disagree with gainerman_08's plan of action which includes escaping if confronted by an authority figure. this problem should be met head in a diplomatic way if the signs are to come down or exclude parkour.

antelope

12. 01-11-2006 15:31

Jeezus christ. I'll admit it, I freaking stole the sign... But calm down...I put it back. I passed these signs like 3 weeks back, because I work in Bethesda, but I never post much so....

It was the MD community btw.

Secondly. It is private property. I am positive. There is basically nothing you can do. It is upon the higher buisiness owners to have these signs produced, and unless you can convince them of millions of dollars of liability that you can own up to, then your out of luck.

Third...they're not going to connect a missing with parkour. Take a reality check. People take signs all the time.

And finally, although I am avid about parkour, I am SICK of this comparison:

Quote

it helps to destroy it and leave it to the same unfortunate image that skating has

What is your "skateboarding" image. I take offense to that as i'm sure many people do...

jumpoffofmyroof

13. 01-11-2006 15:40

I kno i live nowhere near Maryland, but this has made me mad. If they put one signs saying u cant do this, then they are going to spread through out the state, then country.What i think, is that the city should make some kind of Pk park that is created by the Pk followers. But there should still be something done about all the signs. We need to think of something fast!

pmpstar101

14. 01-11-2006 16:18

Quote

What is your "skateboarding" image. I take offense to that as i'm sure many people do..

As much as you may take offense to it, it's the truth. Skateboarding is viewed as a sport composed of trouble-makers by business owners, amongst other people. It's funny that you would take offense to that, seeing as how you stole the sign yourself, thus further perpetuating this image by your own actions...

gearsighted

15. 01-11-2006 16:34

Well I say that part because people always compare to "skateboarding" even on other occasions. And even though you may have skateborded Gear, I don't think you can speak for all skaters, buisiness owners, and public. There are people who view skating in a good light, and I don't think that "public thought" should be the end of all say to this.

My friends have a succesful Christian Skate Team. Now tell me that they are "trouble makers." The skater "Gator" was so religious about skateboarding, that he went crazy by public critisism.

And yes, I stole the sign. I'll say it, and you guys can do whatever you want... In the end of the day, I'm going to keep practicing, and you guys can keep bitching amongst yourselfs and big companies.

jumpoffofmyroof

16. 01-11-2006 16:56

The problem is, when a skater comes along and waxes a wall then grinds on it repeatedly, they are destroying property, whether they have a "Christian Skate Team" or not. Now, if they choose to instead skate only on their own private facility, that's great. Otherwise, they are creating an opinion of skating that is negative.

The same will go for Parkour. So far, we haven't been known for destroying anybody's property, on the contrary, we actually take steps to assure that we respect our environment. Stealing a sign from private property is directly opposed to this mindset, and it accomplishes the same thing as waxing and grinding curbs. Without a repectful platform to stand on, we have no argument as to the benefit and relative safety of our activity, but rather, we have one stupid person creating an overridingly negative outlook for the outside world for the rest of us who attempt to train in a postitive way.

Quote

and I don't think that "public thought" should be the end of all say to this.

So what do you suggest? Continuing to destroy personal property and assuming we will continue to have the right to train where we please? Unfortunately, we live in a country where public thought is quite often the determining factor in social issues. If we are painted as a negative movement, there will only be more negative effects. If, on the other hand, we can find a way to postitively affect public opinion, we may have a chance to have our cake and eat it too...

gearsighted

17. 01-11-2006 16:58

Quote

And yes, I stole the sign. I'll say it, and you guys can do whatever you want... In the end of the day, I'm going to keep practicing, and you guys can keep bitching amongst yourselfs and big companies.

Unfortunately, you may very well be creating the continuing issue that we'll be discussing. If it wasn't that important to you, why didn't you just leave well-enough alone in the first place?

gearsighted

18. 01-11-2006 17:10

Meaning, I'll do what I do, and you do what you do. I took the sign, and I put it back. You guys can argue with them all you want, but I'm going to practice where I want. Sign or no sign.... And since I neither have parents nor are you them...i'm out.

jumpoffofmyroof

19. 01-11-2006 17:49

Indeed you are.

Unfortunately, if what you do causes others unnecessary hassle, then it's not all good. Please keep in mind that you "just doing your thing" may not be so simple in the bigger picture if it involves tarnishing the image of a movement that others may care about.

gearsighted

20. 01-11-2006 17:49

gearsighted

21. 01-11-2006 18:53

I'm with Gear on this, if you "Doing what you do" has to do with something that results in the unnessacary hassling of other traceurs, I STRONGLY suggest you reframe from doing it. Otherwise you might find yourself to be extremly unpopular extremly fast.

trACEur

22. 01-11-2006 19:30

Haha. I put the sign back for a better cause, knowing that people will want to "train" there, but you think I care about popularity? hahahaha. I parkour for myself. Not for others.

jumpoffofmyroof

23. 01-11-2006 19:45

Jump, not having parents "nor are we (or just gear)" is a shitty excuse for poor actions. You are who you are because of you, not because of parents. Be accountable for your own actions, which I can see you are to some extent as you put the sign back. As for the arguing though, I feel you're on the wrong end of this one. You really can't say "I'll do what I do and you do what you do" and expect that to fly, as "what you do" might be deemed illegal and immoral. If I took a skateboard and started whacking old ladies in the head, it wouldn't help skating's image any, would you accept from me that a: I have no parents to tell me what to do, or b: "you do what you do and I'll doo what I do"? I didnt' think so. I'm sorry you're sick of hearing that skating has a negative image, but it does. I didn't create that, nor do I foster it, but it is there and perception is reality. I skated probably before you were born ... there was no bad image associated with it then except that "those things are dangerous" and some "old wive's tales" about people running around draining their neighbor's pools when they went on vacation. Now, due the the actions of many stakers and the way that many skaters chose to carry, conduct, and present themselves, there is generally a negative image. Unfortunately the same has happened to my beloved snowboarding to some extent. What we are trying to prevent is the same from happening to Parkour. Nobody is trying to take the place of your parent, but it is obvious from your behaviour and attitude that a little encouragement for you wouldn't be a bad thing. If someone is trying to help, don't give them excuses, just shut up, listen, and thank them. I know you're above that, so be above it. Anything less is only cheating yourself.

24. 01-12-2006 06:21

Wow, I have to say Iâ€™m very impressed with the response and attitude associated with this new obstacle, (well, with the exception of jumpy, dude get a grip). Anyway I feel you guys are handling this responsibly and deferentially. It is this positive, respectful, and mindful approach that has given parkour its charm. Your group effort in keeping this approach consistent within the parkour community will only lead to an optimistic view from the public and with that support the parkour industry can only move forward, and no one can argue with that.

pkemmie

25. 01-12-2006 06:40

gjmpianoman

26. 01-12-2006 09:45

You all are missing the point! What this sign means is that people are beginning to recognize Parkour! It is soon going to be recognized as a sport

frankiethefish

27. 01-12-2006 10:07

Its a bit more complicated than that frankie. Its like being on tv... would you rather be starring in a hit tv show, or be running from the police on Cops? its representation, but not all representation is good representation.

Skipper

28. 01-12-2006 11:21

one more thing from me...
Quote

I take offense to that as i'm sure many people do...

I have skated for around 5 or 6 years longer than I have done parkour and the image people get from me is bad, dope smoker, vandalist, stealer, and for all the girls around here they call them sluts. I don't know why they would say that but they do and I wouldn't want people to take parkour (traceurs) the same way because it can not only be hurtful but you get in trouble with the law, and get beat for it. Around here they hate hate hate!!! skateboarders. Thats why I would love to have a new image, the one parkour has givin me. I am very grateful.

Flippusmn

29. 01-12-2006 13:03

That is exactly my point. I love skateboarding as much as anything else, and if it wasn't for the injury rate that I sustained while practicing it I would still be involved, but the image is there to stay ESPECIALLY as long as there are people destroying property and acting like idiots while calling themselves skaters. I would hope we could avoid (as much as possible) the same action being construed as being performed by Traceurs...

gearsighted

30. 01-12-2006 13:14

very good points here. i'm glad that the community is facing this new occurance with a mature viewpoint.

i just wrote an essay in english class about something that has changed my life. (whaddaya think i chose?!) one of the main points that i expressed in this essay about Parkour, is that it gives the traceur an open mind, as we need it to move effectively through our enviroments. This sign is just another railing. we'll be fine, as long as we do what traceurs do, get past it, don't run into it.

Steez

31. 01-12-2006 13:46

Hey! I'm over here in Philadelphia. I would hate to see the philosophy of Parkour be soiled before it gets a chance to grow. It's our duty as traucers to show that we are good decent people who don't want to destroy or bother anyone. We need to continue as we have been sign or no sign. Nobody can stop us from moving.

Thehardluckkid

32. 01-12-2006 13:52

well to begin, skaters around here aren't viewed like that...but I guess that's this area. Ok, enough of that point, because I guess it's different everywhere.

As a precursor to this paragraph, relieze that I am forgetting about the sign. I don't care what anyone says, I put it back, and if thats what makes you happy then fine... Read this paragraph with no such bias.

Ok, as a disclosure, I don't mean to say that traceurs SHOULD give themselves a bad image, but consider this: I'm sure no sport wants to have a bad rep. Let's take basketball for instance. A sport invented by white anglo saxans(specifically in Canada), it is hevily dominated today in the Natoinal level by African-American individuals. And with them, they bring their own cultures. Recently, the NBA placed a "dress code," which placed a demand on wearing suits at all formal occasions etc.... However, it also placed a ban on "jewlery, and headpeices." Many African American players took offense to this saying that it was against their social culture. Now trying to be uncliche and racist here, the probable social culture tied to this trend is "bling," to show spirit, money, status etc..., however it is commonly misinterpreted as having a negative connotation. Yet these individuals still play for the NBA.
Now onto my point of parkour in the same aspect. As I said, I am not suggesting that people take a "thug" attitude toward parkour, but I don't think it should be the case that we/you/I be telling people how to go about parkour. Yes, people shouldn't be throwing pots off window sills and calling it parkour, but you shouldn't demand that people take some kind of standard measure of contacting buissiness owners of everywhere to let them know of every detail. Some people practice even with a "sign" or not, and unless its destructive(ill refer back to the NBA chains here), I don't think that people should be vullified here. We all do different things, and although there IS an authority in the NBA, there is no real one for parkour, yet.

jumpoffofmyroof

33. 01-12-2006 14:01

Bitches get stitches

asa

34. 01-12-2006 14:58

Quote

and unless its destructive(ill refer back to the NBA chains here), I don't think that people should be vullified here.

Hey, good point...funny that I've been saying that the whole time!...

gearsighted

35. 01-12-2006 17:09

I think it's a totally different issue, but I agree with your viewpoint, nobody is saying (or should be in my opinion) that Traceurs all have to sign up for boyscouts or to be alterboys (and girls). There's a broad difference however between "being who you are" and doing things which are purposely reckless or disrespectful, the good thing so far for PK is that people who practice mostly seem to be "thinking people" who tend to know right from wrong, and generally be a very considerate bunch who more often than not choose "right". I think the point you may be missing Jump is that we are talking about publice representation of PK, in which case, yes, I do think people should handle themselves respectfully, be careful not to damage property, be mindful of passers-by, all that stuff. If you want to go home and beat your dog and smoke crack it won't hurt PK's reputation a bit :P
(but I'll come find you and kill you for beating the dog)

36. 01-12-2006 19:47

I agree with that. We all don't have to go out and do community service (although that would be great). I think we just need to be courteous.

Thehardluckkid

37. 01-13-2006 02:41

Yes, courteous, crack-smoking dog-beaters!

gearsighted

38. 01-13-2006 06:34

Yeah I think its funny that they put up a sign. It is like publicity. We do need to be respectful of our surroundings and the people. This is however a Milestone though.

Vagabond

39. 01-13-2006 13:47

thats totally phallic

simz

40. 11-29-2006 16:45

sorry for posting so late. i just joined in hope of learning Parkour. But anyone live in Bethesda here? I live about 4 block from that sign :grin

eurodude91

Display 40 of 40 comments

Only registered users can comment an article. Please login or register.

Add your comment

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]