6 April 2000

Skateboards And In-Line Skates As Transport?

Investigations are to be made to see if skateboards and in-line skates can be used for transport in Christchurch.

A Christchurch City Council Leisure Unit planner, Alan Bywater, who has just produced a skateboarding, in-line skating, and freestyle BMX cycling strategy for the city, will carry them out along with a special committee which was involved in the strategy.

It focuses on the involvement of children and youth (up to the age of 24) in skateboarding, in-line skating and freestyle cycling.

Mr Bywater says the number of skateboarders has grown steadily in the 1990s without the peaks and troughs seen in the 1970s and 1980s.

He says in-line skating is expected to show strong growth but freestyle BMX is seen at much lower levels because of its difficult to learn and high risk of injury.

The strategy did not relate to skating for transport on public roads and footpaths but the attention of his steering group will now turn to studying skateboards and in-line skates as a mode of transport.

Mr Bywater says the study will include the use cycle lanes for the skaters. He hopes to have the study ready within a year.

Further information: Alan Bywater: 941 6430.