NORMAL - If you're thinking of skateboarding through downtown Normal, you might have to change your plans.

The Downtown Advisory Commission is recommending the City Council adopt an ordinance banning skateboards and most bicycles from downtown sidewalks.

Skateboarders still would be able to carry their skateboards while they walked on the sidewalks.

Bicyclists under 12 years old still would be able to ride on the sidewalks. Those over 12 years old could walk their bikes down the sidewalks or ride in the streets.

The ordinance would not affect inline skaters.

Fines would range from $10 to $25.

"We certainly welcome these people downtown, but it's an issue of safety," said Downtown Development Director Wayne Aldrich. "There's a conflict between pedestrians and bicycle and skateboard users.

"If you've ever been walking down the streets and had a bike whiz by, you understand."

Chuck Scott, executive director of facility management at Illinois State University, said the planned expansion of Constitution Trail through Illinois State University and north to Heartland Community College could help alleviate the problem with bicycles.

The new leg of the trail will start at Fell and College avenues and run through campus, along Adelaide Street, across Gregory Street to Fairview Park, north to Raab Road and west to Heartland.

The proposed bicycle ordinance would be enforced in the 100 block of East Beaufort Street, the 100 and 200 blocks of West North Street and the 100 block of East North Street.

The skateboard ban would be enforced throughout the central business district - downtown and some adjacent neighborhoods - and affect all skateboarders no matter their age.

The City Council will consider the ordinance at its Monday meeting.