Dockless mobility study sparks scooter regulations
AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Once electric scooters rolled into Austin, the city battled with how to regulate them. On Thursday, the Austin Mobility Committee met to talk about the latest findings in the dockless mobility program including the CDC’s scooter related injury study.
71-injuries were reported between December 1st and January 31st of 2019. Overshadowing bike and motorcycle injuries reported. These reports came from hospitals and EMS response.
Councilwoman Alison Alter voiced her concerns about the data saying it doesn't show whether the scooters are a health risk.
Mayor Steve Adler chimed in and said he’s heard mix reviews regarding the devices. "I can tell going around the city everybody here is in one of two groups half the people I run into have had near death experiences with the scooters and the other half of the city can't imagine life without a scooters,"
Adler said. ATD also weighed in environmental factors looking at heavily scooter used areas along congress and the area surrounding UT's campus.
ATD Director Robert Spillar said their findings could assist with law enforcement and legislation giving officer's the ability to cite reckless scooter riders.
"Right now you know we hear people complain that while those scooters are zipping in and out of public we want to make sure police have the ability to address that," said Spillar.
ATD is also looking at changing street designs by creating special mobility zones.
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