Victoria’s ban on skateboarding downtown should be lifted and bylaw officers should no longer be allowed to seize skateboards, say city staff.
City staff are recommending getting public feedback on the proposals with a view to bringing recommended bylaw changes back for council consideration in the new year.
If the changes are adopted, skateboarding on sidewalks would still be prohibited. Skateboarders would be required to use the roads just like cyclists, according to the report to be considered by councillors Thursday.
“Staff are of the opinion that changing the bylaw to allow skateboard use on downtown roadways would likely have a positive effect on public safety,” the report says.
“Skateboarders could then be directed to ride on the road with other traffic rather than on the sidewalk, to minimize potential conflicts with pedestrians. To mitigate some of the safety concerns associated with skateboarders travelling on downtown streets, bylaw changes could be put into place that require skateboarders to follow the same rules of the road as cyclists.”
Mayor Dean Fortin welcomed the proposed changes.
“The funny thing is, I don’t think anybody actually knew that it was illegal to skateboard in the downtown. I don’t expect any real big change in behaviour, other than people saying: ‘Hey, get off the sidewalk and get back on the road where you belong,” Fortin said.
He said the change recognizes skateboarding as a legitimate form of transportation.
“I think that the public needs to know that skateboards are recognized as a legitimate form of transportation by the Motor Vehicle Act and they are subject to the same rules as bicycles.”
Victoria banned skateboarders from the city core in 1991 after merchants complained they were frightening customers.
Victoria’s streets and traffic bylaw currently prohibits skateboarding in an area roughly bounded by Wharf Street, Herald and North Park streets, Quadra Street, and Blanshard and Belleville streets.
The bylaw, which was reviewed by council in 2008, also allows officials to seize skateboards from violators.
The recommendations, if adopted, would be a vindication for Jake Warren, 43, a Victoria resident who 18 months ago ended up scuffling with bylaw officers and having his skateboard seized after violating the downtown ban and ignoring bylaw officers who attempted to stop him.
Warren organized an online petition and lobbied councillors for bylaw changes, including removal of the skateboard-seizure provision.
Warren said Monday he’s excited by the recommendations for change.
“There’s a certain amount of pride, I think, from all of the skateboard community in the efforts that we’ve made.”
He said once the changes are implemented, boarders will have a responsibility to obey the rules of the road.
“If they’re going to use their skateboards as transportation and want to come through downtown, they’re going to have to skate safe,” Warren said.
“They’re going to have to keep their heads up and be aware and they’re going to have to know when to pick up their board and walk it, because not all streets are going to be good for bikes or skateboards.”
