As a member of the low and no vision community, I’m definitely not the only one giving a cheer to the City of Melbourne Council for finally pulling the plug on those e-scooter contracts with Lime and Neuron. This decision comes after concerns about the impact of these scooters on public safety, particularly for vulnerable groups. The e-scooter program started as a trial in February 2022 and was extended several times over the years. But now, six months before the latest trial is due to end, the council has decided, ‘Enough is enough.’
The decision has sparked quite the debate with the State Government who seem to struggle with making decisions on just about anything these days. You’d think improving community safety and reducing the strain on healthcare resources would be top priorities that could be minimised by banning e-scooters. If you don’t think this has been a problem, then check out the accident statistics caused by e-scooter riders, not only to others, but the riders themselves. These accidents have placed an unnecessary burden on the healthcare system, costing nearly $2 million in the first year of the trial alone.
It’s terrifying
The advent of the e-scooter, as an eco-friendly and convenient form of short distance travel seemed like a brilliant idea. But in reality, they have been a nightmare. Surely, we have the right to walk safely down the streets in the CBD without reckless riders zooming past out of nowhere. The safety of people with low or no vision has been compromised for too long by senseless e-scooter users. These riders weave through footpaths at breakneck speeds, shout at pedestrians to move, and cut dangerously close to those with guidance canes, often ignoring helmet laws and the basic decency of looking out for others. Their antics have left vulnerable groups constantly on edge, wondering when the next close call will come.
Drop them on the footpath or toss them in the Yarra
And then what do they do with these scooters when they have finished with them? Just yesterday, I got my cane tangled up in a bunch of them dumped on the tactiles at Southern Cross Station. . You can trip over abandoned e-scooters almost anywhere, making the footpaths a treacherous place to navigate safely. Even the footpath cutouts, essential for wheelchair users to cross the streets, are often blocked by abandoned e-scooters. In one of many close calls, I narrowly avoided an accident when my cane detected an e-scooter abandoned in the middle of a dark underpass. I reckon sighted individuals face similar risks, as these scooters can go unnoticed until it’s too late. At least when they’re tossed into the Yarra River, no one is going to trip over them. And yes, unbelievably, that’s where heaps of them end up.
Stricter regulations – no way
This lack consideration seems to be a troubling reflection on today’s society. Some supporters of e-scooters are saying stricter regulations and enforcement would solve the problem. But kudos to the Melbourne City Council for recognising that no amount of regulation will change the mindset of people who simply don’t care about the wellbeing of others.
Are there any rules? Well, yes!
Of course, there would be some e-scooter riders that play by the rules, but they have been over-shadowed by the reckless ones. And sadly, as we know, this is what always happens in society. What we don’t know is what are the rules anyway? Well, surprisingly, there are some. You can click this link to find out. But it’s too late for rules now. So for the safety of my community and all the other non e-scooter riders, I believe the Melbourne City Council has acted appropriately. And for e-scooter users, the stern action by the council should help you realise that with great privilege comes great responsibility and the need to pick up after yourselves.
As Melbourne city looks toward the future, let’s hope that any new initiatives will prioritise safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for all.
Thanks to iStock for the free feature photo.
