Mobility scooters are a feature of many NSW North Coast towns and villages because of the high number of retirees, so I wasn't surprised to discover that Ballina considers itself the scooter capital of Australia and is worried about footpath etiquette between those 'scooting' and those walking.
The Sydney Morning Herald today:
In parts of the Clarence Valley mobility scooters tend to be found on local roads just as often as on footpaths.
While these scooters are a great help with mobility for the aged suffering chronic illness and those with disabilities, I have noticed a new group of users creeping onto the scene. Those who have permanently lost their driving licences after failing either the annual medical or driving skills test.
Mobility scooters are obviously being seen as a Clayton's car rather than a second pair of legs.
With the speed some of these scooter 'drivers' are consistently travelling, their insistence on right of way when they do deign to use a footpath, increasing bulk of some scooter models, and relatively low visibility on busy roads, it is no wonder that the NSW Local Government Association is reportedly seeking a state-wide review of mobility scooters.
As a pedestrian, I have found myself tooted out of the way on local footpaths, had to smartly skip to the side on shopping mall covered walks and been bumped on the legs in internal concourses. It is obvious that a few people using these scooters have little idea of the rules applying to their use.
A review by the NSW Government would be very welcome.
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