Riding a Skateboard in Traffic

A teen stepped off of the sidewalk as I approached, hopped onto his skateboard and began to weave slightly along the curb in front of my vehicle. He either trusted me with his life or had not given much thought to his own as he was far enough into the lane to be a hazard and had his back to overtaking traffic. I had to slow and crowd the centre lane to get by.

Definition of Pedestrian

The Motor Vehicle Act definition of pedestrian has been amended to read as follows:

(b) a person who is in or on a device that

(i) is only capable of being propelled by human power, and

(ii) is, or is similar to, a wheelchair, a stroller, a skateboard, a kick scooter, roller skates, in-line roller skates, skis or a sleigh;

A Skateboard Rider is a Pedestrian

Today a skateboard rider must follow the same rules as pedestrians. The penalty for not obeying the law is a violation ticket in the amount of $109.

Municipal Skateboard Bylaws

The Motor Vehicle Act gives municipalities the power to regulate skateboarders and other similar means of wheeled transportation.

Municipalities that do choose to do so generally create rules for them under their traffic bylaws. A quick survey of those who post their bylaws on line finds everything from no rules, to not riding them on the sidewalk, to banning them completely from roads and sidewalks.

Civil Liability

Regardless of whether he was supposed to be there or not, it is wise to drive with significant care when approaching and passing. If you do not and a collision results, the courts can hold you as the driver partially responsible.

You always have a duty to exercise caution for both others and yourself.

The skateboard rider is also responsible for damages when they cause a collision.

Motorized Skateboards

A skateboard with a motor is banned from any highway in B.C. This includes places like sidewalks and bicycle paths.

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