Somewhere someone is busy designing the next generation of skate-board proof railings and curbs.

The irony I see is that the market has generated overly bland and simple rails and curbs to begin with, which has led to exploration by skaters looking for something challenging to do with themselves.

Had the railings been more integrated and delicately created from the start (e.g. more thought/creativity = more expensive) then they would be less likely to be turned into the very thing they seemed destined for — cheap thrills. Some might think that a quick fix will remove the vulnerability of the lowly hand-rail to the threat of eager kids on wheels, and they’re probably right.

Think about it, though. Would you rather a handrail have the look of “damn kids, these metal poop-strips will teach them a thing or two about respecting property” or something more like “grab me and I will help you be safely on your way”. Come to think of it, should we first look at whether stairs are even necessary or just less expensive landscaping?