Title: Safety Concerns Mount as City Resident Pushes for Discontinuation of Public E-Scooters in Bath
In a bid to prevent serious injuries and even fatalities, a concerned resident of Bath is urging the discontinuation of public e-scooters in the city. Roger White, a local resident, expressed his concerns about the dangerous and thoughtless use of these micromobility devices, calling for decisive action before tragedy strikes.
Last month, Bath witnessed a change in its shared micromobility services as German company Tier took over from the previous provider, Voi. The new contract not only introduced e-bikes to the city but also retained the existing e-scooters. Unfortunately, this transition did not bring about the desired improvement in terms of eliminating the risky and antisocial abandonment of these vehicles on pavements.
Mr. White, in his letter to the Bath Chronicle, highlighted the safety advantages of e-bikes over e-scooters, emphasizing the need for their continued use. He expressed disappointment that after a three-year trial period, the decision to discontinue the use of e-scooters was not taken under the new contract. Several cities have experienced deaths and serious injuries linked to e-scooter usage, leading Paris to ban them entirely. Mr. White believes that Bath should learn from these examples to avoid the unfortunate occurrence of a fatal accident or life-altering head injury on its busy streets.
Moreover, Mr. White drew attention to the inconsistency in regulations that permit hired e-scooters on public roads while banning privately owned counterparts. He argued that private owners are more likely to be experienced riders who prioritize safety and helmet usage, as opposed to careless or inexperienced users. Discontinuing the service would not only address this anomaly but also help mitigate the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, especially the elderly and visually impaired, who are more vulnerable due to the larger size and weight of e-bikes.
Acknowledging the deployment of rangers to monitor the usage of these micromobility devices, Mr. White expressed disappointment in their effectiveness so far. He hopes that these rangers will soon crack down on repeat offenders who recklessly abandon the vehicles anywhere, making proper enforcement of fines and even bans necessary. The introduction of bike racks, commonly seen in London, would undoubtedly assist in curtailing this issue.
As the debate surrounding the continuation of public e-scooters in Bath gains traction, it is imperative to address the concerns raised by citizens like Mr. White. Striking a balance between promoting sustainable and convenient transportation options and ensuring public safety should be a top priority for the authorities. Only time will tell whether the plea for discontinuation will be taken seriously, but one thing remains certain – action must be taken to prevent accidents and protect the well-being of Bath’s residents and visitors alike.
