The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) plans to add scooters, e-scooters and hover boards to the list of things that aren’t allowed on the Whistler Village Stroll to encourage a pedestrian-friendly environment.
RMOW’s current bylaw was adopted in 1992 and prohibits biking, roller skating, and skateboarding on the stroll.
Now the staff is asking council to add scooters, e-scooters and hover boards to that list. The council will debate the issue council meeting on February 18.
According to a staff report, scooters, e-scooter and hover boards were not as popular and not considered when the original bylaw was first adopted in 1992.
“The new bylaw is a tool to promote bylaw compliance on the Village Stroll to encourage a pedestrian-friendly environment,” staff says.
Mobility aids for persons with a disability, however, will continue to be permitted to be used on the village stroll.
Staff said the the bylaw won’t add any new regulations about skateboards and roller skates in areas outside of the stroll such as the Valley Trail.
A future parks bylaw, however, will be brought forward to address these devices on the Valley Trail.
Staff said it is worth noting that the Motor Vehicle Act already prohibits the riding of bicycles on the sidewalk unless permitted by a sign or bylaw. That act, however, does not regulate skateboards and roller skates on sidewalks.
If the council approved the additions, a bylaw will also be amended to allow for enforcement through tickets on the village stroll.
The new additions will keep the stroll pedestrian friendly and allow for a more positive visitor experience, staff notes.
