People need space to walk

Sidewalk Days begins today and it appears this year the weather is going to add to the success.
The annual event brings people out to stroll Main Street, looking for deals, taking in some entertainment and visiting with people they haven't seen over the long, cold winter.
The city's main street is thrown open to pedestrian traffic and people take full advantage, knowing there is almost no fear of injury other than through one's own fault.
But, as is the case each year, many pedestrians cringe at the sound of small wheels rolling along pavement at pretty good speed. Bicyclists, skateboarders and in-line skaters also take full advantage of the blocked off streets, much to the chagrin of pedestrians who have to dart out of the way or risk being hit.
It would be great if such modes of transportation were banned on the blocks closed to traffic during Sidewalk Days. But, as has been the case in the past, who would enforce this?
This is not to say all cyclists, boarders and skaters are a nuisance. Some are careful and make sure they don't get in the way of pedestrians.
But the ones who carelessly zip around as if they and they alone own the street give all the others a bad name.
Sidewalk Days is generally a fun, entertaining way to pass the first days of summer, trying out some good outdoor cooking, letting the kids have some fun on kiddie rides and picking up the odd good deal.
The crowds will still be there because it gives us an excuse to get out and enjoy Saskatchewan summers at their best. And in order to really enjoy themselves, pedestrians will have to let go of the annoyances caused by competing traffic.