No e-scooters on Macrossan Street; 12km/h limit on footpaths

E-Scooter Safety

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Senior Sergeant Damian Meadows, Officer-in-Charge, Port Douglas, said it was important for users to be aware of the legislation and the rules they must comply with.

The increasing popularity of e-scooters and the risks they pose on foot paths and bike lanes has prompted the Queensland Government to introduce new rules after reports pedestrians felt unsafe.

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.

“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 roll out 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.

Minister Bailey said the reforms would see speed limits slashed on footpaths to 12 kilometres an hour.

Related: E-scooters all the rage in Port Douglas

Injuries

“We are seeing far too many injuries in e-scooter users that are the result of speeding and many pedestrians feeling unsafe on footpaths.

“Our footpaths are there for everyone so e-scooter riders will need to slow down on footpaths to 12 km/h in future,” he said.

And Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government will work with local councils to ensure signs make it very clear where e-scooters can and can’t be ridden and where they can be parked.

Mayor Michael Kerr

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said he welcomed the regulatory reform for the personal e-scooter usage brought in by the State Government.

“These changes will make our local roads and footpaths safer for all users.

“In Douglas, Council staff worked with the e-scooter company to ensure riders only travel in places that will not cause a nuisance.

“For example, the e-scooters are GPS-tracked and cannot enter Macrossan Street.

“They also must be returned to a designated parking bay, not just left anywhere for another user.
Unlike personal e-scooters, the hire e-scooters also have speed limiters on them,” said Kerr.


Local Police

Senior Sergeant Damian Meadows, Officer-in-Charge, Port Douglas, said it was important for users to be aware of the legislation and the rules they must comply with.

“I applaud the government for their initiative and by reducing the speed limit (to 12km) is a huge improvement,” said Meadows.

 

Local distribution

E-scooters are readily available in Port Douglas and are supported by:

  • Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
  • Niramaya Villas & Spa
  • Chilly's Pizza & Trattoria
  • Coral Beach Lodge
  • Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
  • Port Douglas Outrigger Holiday Apartments
  • St Crispins Cafe
  • Ti-Tree Village
  • Wildlife Habitat

It currently costs $25 to unlock an e-scooter in Port Douglas, and $0.04 for every minute you ride.

Fast Facts – E-Scooter Reforms

  • Slashing footpath speed limits in half, to 12km/h;
  • Proactive safety campaign to inform users of road rules, parking and their responsibilities;
  • Partner with industry for a new e-scooter users guide at point of sale (privately owned e-scooters);
  • Mandate warning devices (such as a bell);
  • Establish an e-scooter parking working group to create clear rules for e-scooter parking to keep footpaths clear for pedestrians and people with disabilities;
  • Allowing e-scooters on segregated bikeways, including the Veloway;
  • Examine further e-scooter use on shared bikeways and on road bike lanes, pending further stakeholder and local government consultation;
  • Improved data recording and injury reporting;
  • Improved signage and markings;
  • Road rule amendments;
  • Creation of high-risk e-scooter offences, including drink and drug driving penalties, through legislative reforms;
  • Cracking down on dangerous and irresponsible e-scooter behaviour such as speeding through tougher enforcement and appropriate penalties.

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