ROADS and footpaths will be safer for Queensland commuters as the Palaszczuk Government rolls out new measures to better regulate e-scooters.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said stronger laws like lower speeds on footpaths, mandated safety measures, a safety education campaign and clearer signage and markings would be part of a suite of new actions to help ensure e-scooter riders, cyclists, motorists and pedestrians can safely share spaces.
“The rising popularity of e-scooters is a clear sign they aren’t going to disappear,” the Minister said.
“We know that people are going to keep using them so the key is making sure that shared spaces like footpaths and bike lanes are as safe as they can be.”
Immediate action will include the rollout of a proactive safety campaign focusing on the correct way to wear a helmet, how to ride safely, how to overtake pedestrians safely and how to park to keep the footpath clear for people with disabilities.
Mr Bailey said the reforms would see speed limits slashed on footpaths to 12 kilometres an hour.
“We are seeing far too many injuries in e-scooter users that are the result of speeding and many pedestrians feeling unsafe on footpaths,” he said.
“Our footpaths are there for everyone so e-scooter riders will need to slow down on footpaths to 12 km/h in future.
“For e-scooters to use footpaths less, they need more safe routes to use as an alternative.
“We’ll examine further whether on-road bike lanes are appropriate with all stakeholders, with extensive consultation with local government associations and councils to come.”
The State Government will also work with Brisbane City Council and other LGAs on making sure signs and markings make it clear where e-scooters can and can’t be ridden and where they can and can’t be parked.
Tougher laws to give police better tools to enforce speed limits and drink riding will also be further explored to crack down on rogue e-scooter riders endangering others.
More information on the current road rules for personal mobility devices can be found on the Queensland Government website.