Updates are coming to the Traffic Bylaw in Moose Jaw, a document that has been changed so many times that some sections just don't make any sense anymore. As part of the re-building process the Transportation Services Advisory Committee is looking for safety concerns that may have gone overlooked and are now taking comments from the public.

The city is embarking on a public consultation process to explain the proposed changes that include banning skateboards, roller skates, inline skates and scooters from being used on Main Street from Saskatchewan to Manitoba.  Chair Rece Allen says the committee felt the use of those forms of transportation, without a reliable braking system, are a safety hazard on the high traffic street. But he knows there are a lot of youth who frequent the Main Street area and feels this proposed change will get a lot of feedback.

"I can totally understand the safety concerns but I don't understand how we can expect people to cross Main Street, especially if they're on inline skates." said Allen. "Citizens will have a chance to give their input on the bylaw and this will be their chance to speak up or have more options for how they want to see it developed."

City Hall has already launched an online survey that you can find by clicking here. Emails are also being accepted through cclerk@moosejaw.ca with a deadline for submissions being set for 10am Friday, March 23, 2018.

Other proposed changes include making bike helmets mandatory for minors.  Saskatchewan and Quebec are the last remaining provinces to implement some sort of rule regarding the use of bike helmets and the committee felt it was time for Moose Jaw to take the lead.  Similar to the smoking ban in public places that thrust our community into the spot light, leading the way on helmets could set an example for the rest of Saskatchewan.

Another change that will get some discussion is a plan to ban panhandling along roadways. While it doesn't happen often, Allen says it's viewed as a safety concern by the committee.

"We're trying to get rid of the hazard that could potentially arise from panhandling." said Allen. "If someone was stopped at a red light and someone walks over and starts panhandling for money, the light then changes green and the person is now stuck in the intersection."

Most of the changes that are part of the bylaw rebuild won't be noticed by the average resident, according to Allen but these are a few that will likely get the most attention.