New scooters for Dubbo commuters
Council puts its hand up to take part in 12-month trial
E-SCOOTERS are being trialled and implemented around Australia, with the NSW Government announcing a 12-month e-scooter trail to commence in 2022, and Dubbo Regional Council has put its hand up for the city to participate in the trial.
Results of that application process, the location of the e-scooters, and the commencement date of the trial are yet to be decided.
Current NSW laws pertaining to electric scooters prohibits private and shared e-scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, unicycle, or similar wheeled devices.
Dubbo Photo News asked businesses their opinions regarding the e-scooter trial and as expected, there were mixed reviews of people saying it would be a good thing for the community, while others saying it would be hazardous.
Hot Bread Cafe employee, Lynda Madden believes it would increase the foot traffic down the lower end of the street and increase business opportunities.
“I think it would attract more customers,” she said, adding that as long as the riders park and ride them as instructed the trial would be valuable.
“There are a lot of elderly (people) on this street, so you just have to be careful.”
News Extra employee, Leanne Ferguson, agreed with the potential introduction of e-scooters initially, but on reflection believes they are better suited to larger cities.
“I like the idea in bigger cities because they have special bike lanes and sections, but we have no room for that here,” she continued, saying that the scooters are targeted towards the younger demographic.
“The elderly are really going to have to watch out,” Ms Ferguson added. “I doubt they will be participating in (the trial).”
Best and Less assistant manager, Tara Langley, shared that she does not believe it is a safe option for the main street.
“Riders will leave them places, they will run into people around corners – it doesn’t seem safe at all.”
Cross Coffee House owner, Julie Cross, admits she is not a fan of the proposed trial.
“There is plenty of room near the rotunda where people can ride them, but not along here,” said Ms Cross, whose cafe has a dining area on the footpath.
She believes the e-scooters will disrupt the customers.
“It’s very narrow here as it is,” she added, saying she has faced issues with adults riding bikes with e-scooters adding another element to the issue.
“It’s not necessary in Dubbo, it is not that far, especially in the CBD area.”