Scooters a serious issue on streets

• Councillor Leonie Stein said something needs to be done about scooter and bike riders in the main street of Bridport.

By Taylor Clyne
January 18, 2023

The first Council meeting of 2023 took place on Monday night with only one agenda item listed but a meaty dialogue of questions from Councillors and the community.

Councillor Leonie Stein raised the issue of scooters and bikes using the footpaths on the shop side of Main Street Bridport which caused serious damage to one resident recently.

“About three weeks ago a gentleman in his 80’s was seriously hurt after being hit by one of these, he had broken ribs, stitches to his forehead, knees and jaw,” she said.

“A lot of them now are motorised and they are flying up and down that footpath.

“We must find out how we can control it, what is there is not working.”

Ms Stein said the current signs display clearly that cyclists must dismount, and no scooters or bikes can be ridden on the footpath.

“This just isn’t working and it’s not enough.

“How are we going address it, there has to be some way we can protect the pedestrians,” she asked.

Ms Stein said parents need to be educating their children of the rules and keeping the community safe.

Mayor Greg Howard said Council would organise another meeting with police to see what they can do about the issue.