Editor:
Re: ‘Shredding’ light on longboarders, July 31 letters.
While I understand letter-writer Joel Sukkau’s desire to defend his sport, there is no need to be insulting.
I merely pointed out that Foster and Fir are busy streets with limited visibility even on a clear day, but of course, as shown on your YouTube videos, these are exactly the streets you prefer. I did not question the legitimacy of your sport or the skills you possess – I don’t know you.
I did not refer this as a “problem” in White Rock. It is a safety issue in many municipalities with hills.
Accidents could and have happened for different reasons, including drivers who couldn’t see the longboarders or longboarders losing control. And it’s not just longboarders who may be injured. Drivers may be hurt from swerving to avoid hitting a longboarder.
Also, I do not believe you can vouch for every longboarder that they have the same skills you do. There are learners to the sport and they may not have the same control.
If you are a professional athlete, then you should set a good example to the younger kids instead of telling me or anyone not to “write articles about things (I am) not fully aware of.” I am fully aware that in B.C. alone, three longboarders have been killed in collisions with vehicles since 2010, and five have been critically injured.
If you wish to be able to enjoy your sport, you need collaboration through communications with residents, government and law-enforcers so that you could come up with mutually acceptable solutions, like special days where streets could be blocked off for a number of hours, or fundraising to build special skateboarding parks.
I suggest you reflect on whether the tone you used in your letter is conducive to having people listen to you, respect you and your sport, and support your cause.
L. Wills, White Rock
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Thanks to letter-writer Joel Sukkau for the info, but did you also know that the roads are for cars?
When you see and hear all the horrific outcomes of these choices over the years, you will understand better what is being cautioned. Accidents happen no matter how skilled one is, and prevention is key.
We don’t want to see it on our roadways, if it can be helped. That’s why communities have provided venues to enjoy your sport just like all other sports. You won’t see skiing or luge etc. on our roads, would you? Then why is longboarding OK, just because you think you know what you’re doing? That’s why it’s called an accident.
Two-thousand-pound-plus vehicles are on these roads, and who do you think will suffer the most impact – or worse – if the two shall meet?
Patricia Seggie, Surrey