Petition to ban e-scooters from footpaths

A petition to Government seeking to ban e-scooters and other personal transport devices from New Zealand footpaths has been presented to children and seniors minister Tracey Martin.

The 1800 signature petition has been organised by Footpaths4feet, a coalition of 13 member organisations from across New Zealand representing walkers, people who use mobility aids, older people and people with a range of sensory or cognitive impairments.

“Allowing these vehicles to be used on footpaths is incompatible with providing a safe and comfortable space for people to walk,” coalition convener Dr Chris Teo-Sherrell says.

“People on foot deserve to feel safe just as people on bicycles and on scooters do. A third zone needs to be created for these vehicles.”

Teo-Sherrell says Footpaths4feet members support the Government making transport safer in New Zealand. “So allowing e-scooters on footpaths is a real kick in the shins for walkability and access for all.”

He says the organisation supports the Government’s intention, in the forthcoming Accessible Streets package of road rule changes, to allow e-scooters to use cycle lanes but believes this should be mandatory where lanes exist.

“In low speed streets e-scooters can continue to be used in traffic lanes as can occur now,” Teo-Sherrell says.

“Footpath speed limits and expectations of behaviour of scooter users are both unlikely to be observed and are unenforceable.”

Teo-Sherrell says that while personal transport devices have a role to play in helping cut transport carbon emissions, “it’s common sense to understand that they need to be used in spaces that keep both pedestrians and riders safe”.