Redesigning streets to make them safe for bikes, e-scooters, and pedestrians

The use of electric scooters (e-scooters) has witnessed a substantial surge globally.

However, the presence of these motorized vehicles on sidewalks poses a significant risk to pedestrians. A recent practice paper published in CMAJ describes the case of a 68-year-old woman who suffered serious injuries while walking on a city sidewalk after being hit by an e-scooter traveling at approximately 30 km/h. 

While the authors of the paper recognize e-scooters as a popular, efficient and green form of transportation, they argue effective policies are needed to mitigate risks associated with their use. 

On this episode, Drs. Blair Bigham and Mojola Omole speak with Zach Williams, the director of policy and government partnerships and Jamie Perkins the director of communications for  Superpedestrian. Superpedestrian is an e-scooter company that spun off from the MIT Sensible City Lab. They discuss the necessary changes to urban infrastructure as well as the responsibilities of e-scooter providers to ensure safety for riders and pedestrians.

The discussion then shifts to Catherine McKenney, a former Ottawa city councilor and mayoral candidate, who proposed substantial investments in biking infrastructure during their campaign. They argue that debates about safe urban transit have become too polarized and that it is not a matter of being for or against cars, but rather about finding effective solutions to make transportation safe and efficient for all users.

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