I was surprised to learn that Florida-based Fitness and Speed Skating Times recently named Vancouver the third-best North American des¬tination for inline skating. The only reasoning I can come up with is the seawall (see “Seawall") around much of the downtown peninsula even though inline skaters occasionally clash with other users of the route — and some “skate-friendly” routes in the central
city. However, the fact that skaters like the steep, curving roads on Seymour and Cypress mountains may have something to do with it.
Legally, in the City of Vancouver, inline skaters must use the roads rather than sidewalks, where there’s no designated skating route. How this pans out only those brave enough to contend with traffic can say, but I’ve seen these guys travel down Burrard Street as fast as vehicles, so it must be working for some of them.
Tourists and English-language students particularly, it seems, the I apanese routinely rent inline skates. You can get them at Spokes Stanley Park Bicycle Rentals (1798 West Georgia Street, West End, 604-688-5141). Spokes also supplies bikes for every age and ability — from one-speed cruisers to hybrid city bikes and tandems, and runs bike tours to Stanley Park and False Creek. Bayshore Bicycles and Rollerbiade Rentals (“45 Denman Street, West End, 604-688-2453) rents inline skates, along with mountain, kids’, and tandem bikes. You can even rent tennis racquets, and jogging and baby strollers. Bikes ‘N Blades Rental (718 Denman Street, West End, 604-602-9899) also equips bikes with seats and trailers for the very young.
Those who take to these activities might do well to buy secondhand inline skates at Cheapskates-Nineteen (3496 Dunbar Street, Westside, 604-734-1160) or a bike at Cheapskates Too (3228 Dunbar Street, Westside, 604-734-1191). These consignment stores will take the items back when you’re ready to move on to fancier equipment.
For moped and scooter rentals, head to Kenny’s Fun Club (1833 Anderson Street, behind Starbucks at the entrance to Granville Island, 604-738-4888). Reckless (i810 Fir Street, Central Vancouver, 604-731-2420) rents bikes of all sizes, car racks, backpacks, and panniers; a second location (110 Davie Street, Yaletown, 604-648-2600) supplies bikes and skates.
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