City of Holdfast Bay Council has commenced a 12-month register of reported e-bike and e-scooter incidents in response to community concerns about e-mobility device safety.
Council says the register of reported incidents and concerns will be provided to the South Australian Minister for Transport as formal feedback.
Council also wrote to the Police Minister, Blair Boyer, late last year seeking the support of South Australia Police in enforcing newly introduced regulations and existing shared path road rules for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), including e-scooters on the popular Coast Park pathway.
“The City of Holdfast Bay receives numerous concerns and complaints from community members in relation to behaviours on shared use paths, particularly the Coast Park Path. The addition of devices such as e-scooters has increased the potential for conflict,” wrote Council CEO, Pamela Jackson in her letter to Minister Boyer.
“While Council is committed to promoting sustainable and alternative transport options, we are equally committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all path users.
“As enforcement of PMD regulations – including speed limits, helmet use, and responsible riding – is delegated to South Australia Police, we respectfully request increased visibility and enforcement efforts along the Coast Park Path, particularly during the upcoming summer period. This will help mitigate risks, reinforce safe riding behaviour, and support the community’s confidence in the shared use of this important public asset.”
Council received a response from Minister Boyer advising that Council’s concerns had been referred to SAPOL, who are increasing their presence over the summer months to monitor and enforce safe PMD usage.
Earlier this year, Council also applied to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to ban e-scooters from being ridden on footpaths along Jetty Road, Glenelg.
Under South Australian e scooter legislation, e scooters have a specific 10km/h maximum speed limit on shared paths.
While Council can’t impose speed limits, it says other safety measures are being used including signs to remind all Coast Park users that the pathway is a shared zone for both cyclists and pedestrians.
