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E-Scooter Scare: Toddler Dashes, Rider Swerves in Brisbane
7 Jul
Summary
- An e-scooter rider narrowly avoided hitting a toddler on a shared path.
- The incident occurred at Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves at night.
- New e-scooter laws require riders to slow to 12km/h near pedestrians.
A recent e-scooter incident at Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves has intensified discussions regarding the safety of shared paths in busy urban areas. The event, captured on video, showed an e-scooter rider narrowly avoiding a collision with a toddler who unexpectedly entered the path.
Following the near-miss, a diner confronted the rider about his speed, escalating the debate. Comments online reflect divided opinions, blaming both parents and the rider. Housing Minister Sam O'Connor referenced new government e-bike and e-scooter laws, emphasizing rider accountability in high-traffic zones.
Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner underscored that these are shared paths, not race tracks, and stressed the right of way for pedestrians. He advocates for reduced speeds in such areas, akin to school zones. Active transport advocates have previously raised design concerns for the paths connecting key Brisbane routes.
Recent e-mobility legislation, effective from July 1, mandates e-scooter and e-bike riders to reduce their speed to 12km/h when passing pedestrians on shared paths. However, no specific speed limit is set for bicycle riders in similar situations.
