Cape Town - Accelerating and rejuvenated youth concern motorists as they skate on busy roads in Hout Bay and neighbouring suburbs.
Motorists claimed they have had to duck and dive as youths from the ages of 10 upwards roll down the busy roads in the residential areas in Imizamo Yethu, Hangberg, and Llandudno.
These are usually children involved in downhill skating, with some using t skating as a mode of transport in their neighbourhood.
According to skating professionals, this is a rare type of skating which is not yet catered for in South Africa, as it needs designated steep platforms.
Nceba Khiza, a resident said: "It's like these kids don't care about their lives or anyone. They see nothing wrong. We understand it's a sport, and they have rights, but who's going to get a bad record if they get hit by cars? An innocent driver, isn't it? What happens by that circle is a nightmare and needs immediate interventions before tragedy happens. I don't know why government isn't doing anything about this because it's been going on for a while."
Roscoe Jacobs, a community activist, said it's a frustrating, worrisome scenario that needs to be addressed sooner than later.
“Without violating anyone's rights. What they are doing is wrong because the approaches used to address the matter are wrong because these kids are passionate about their sport and won't be stopped just like that. The City of Cape Town must come on board and take what's suggested by the public into consideration."
Anthony Chemaly, chairperson of Hout Bay CPF, said: "This is becoming a trend, and it's perplexing how fast-growing it is. We get complaints all the time, but when we get there, those kids are gone already, or they just run away. And honestly, there's just so little we can do because you can't fine them, and there's no law prohibiting them. It's just a matter of danger posed to road users and those around them."
Vicki Scheffel, from Eyethu Skate Park, said this is a national problem as South Africa hasn't yet catered for this growing sport. She said it's time the government found ways to regulate and support it like all other sports so participants could be held accountable and have rules to obey to. She said at Eyethu, they did hold talks and raise awareness around such activities, and managed to convert a few youths to join flat skating and minimise the risk.
She was seconded by Alyosha Diebold, who said it needs to be understood that skating is broad and has grown tremendously in South Africa.
"It doesn't help that the government is resistant, saying it is not financially feasible to accommodate it. There's no need to build a mountain, but having designated roads where, for example, skating would take place at certain hours, maybe three times a week, wouldn't kill. We have seen such arrangements working with normal skating, just like the weekly Promenade Mondays."
He said responsible downhill skaters usually have spotters watching traffic, and participants are warned each time a car is approaching. "This is not always the case, though, as it's difficult on long roads. However, the reckless individuals can't be accounted for. "Skate to Kate tomorrow," he said.
Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for City Law Enforcement said: "This activity is a danger to traffic and pedestrians and is in contravention of the City’s By-law relating to Streets, Public Places and Prevention of Noise Nuisances By-Law and specifically prohibition upon skating, roller-skating and dangerous acts.
"We can charge people in terms of the by-law for non-compliance. They or their parents could also be held civilly liable for any damages that may occur to any third party as they were acting unlawfully at the time.
"If the offence is not committed in the presence of an officer, then the witness will have to give a statement to the officer and be prepared to testify in court, if necessary."