By Corey Fischer

‘Horse & Buggy’ Taken Out of Traffic Bylaw

Feb 26, 2018 | 1:30 PM

The City of Vernon has brought one of its traffic bylaws up to modern standards to include things like skateboards and mobility scooters.

Council approved changes to traffic bylaw #5600 at Monday’s committee of the whole meeting.

Mayor Akbal Mund says the update was needed.

“There was a lot of horse and buggy bylaws in there (the old one), and of course, we don’t see a lot of horse and buggies on the street anymore. Also, different modes of transportation have come up over the years, skateboards is one of them and scooters,” Mund told CJIB News.

The city will be providing an education campaign to bring everyone up to speed on the new rules.

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Skateboarders are allowed on roads, pedestrian and cycle paths, but will be required to wear a helmet and will have to show consideration for pedestrians.

Mobility scooters, which are becoming more popular, are allowed on sidewalks, among other areas, but have to be operated in a courteous manner towards pedestrians.

“I’m sure there will be some enforcement, for public safety, because there is the other side, and we will be get complaints about people skateboarding on the sidewalks,” adds Mund.

Councillor Bob Spiers wondered if the skateboarders would be required to wear a helmet, commenting one of every 10 cyclists he sees while he’s walking downtown, isn’t wearing one.

City Transportation Director Amanda Watson responded yes, they will be required to wear one.

She wasn’t aware of any cyclist ever getting a ticket for not wearing a helmet, but noted there have been positive ticket campaigns in the past to encourage people to wear them.

by Corey Fischer