Vernon is taking action to discourage longboarding on its streets. Bylaw enforcement manager Clint Kanester says conflicts with drivers can be traumatic as has been the case in the Lower Mainland. "As longboarding attracts more and younger riders, the opportunity for accidents to occur also increases. With Vernon's hillside development continuing to occur, and as roads with steeper grades are created, our streets have become more attractive for this new sport," says Kanester. He says Vernon doesn't support the activity, either for practice or play, on city streets, and it contravenes a traffic bylaw with tickets starting at $75. "Like many communities, Vernon's traffic bylaw prohibits non-vehicular uses, occurring in the right of way, that have the potential to create opportunities for unsafe activities or conflict with motorized vehicles to occur. These prohibitions include skateboards or longboards, skiis, rollerblades, sleighs, snowmobiles and other forms of transportation or sport that may create conflict with pedestrians or vehicles." Kanester says the bylaw does not cover roads in strata communities like The Rise where there's been problems, and some residents want a ban on longboarders. "Strata communities in hillside developments should be aware that the City's Traffic bylaw and prohibition on longboarding are not applicable on private roads. Should they wish to restrict this activity within their developments, they would need to sign the roadway appropriately, notify the longboarders of their requirements, and use the Provincial Trespass Act and the RCMP to enforce their restriction."----------
City of Vernon Media Release: Longboarders Should not use City Streets for Practice Or Play
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