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July 08, 2016 - 1:00 PM
VERNON - Many people appear to like the idea of allowing skateboards and other small wheeled transportation devices on Vernon sidewalks and bike lanes.
A survey conducted during the recent Sunshine Festival in Vernon found considerable interest in having the city’s bylaws changed to permit skateboards, longboards, foot operated scooters, in-line skates and other similar devices on sidewalks, roads, and in bike lanes.
Local skateboard enthusiasts have been calling on the city to introduce new rules that allow them to use sidewalks and roadways, and the city is listening.
According to the survey, which was conducted by City of Vernon staff, 86 respondents support small wheel transport on sidewalks in the downtown core if users are limited to the average pedestrian walking speed, while 29 did not favour the idea.
Asked if they support the modes of transportation on the sidewalk outside of the downtown core if limited to average pedestrian jogging speed, 84 were in favour and 24 against.
Responses were slightly more even when it came to allowing skateboards on local roads, with 68 people in favour and 42 against.
Many people liked the idea of permitting small wheel transport on shoulders and bike lanes providing cyclist rules are followed, with 94 per cent in favour and 16 against.
City staff are recommending consultation with various stakeholder groups including the Transportation Advisory Committee, Downtown Vernon Association and cycling and pedestrian groups to discuss the idea before bringing proposed changes to council.
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