A proactive take on the region’s worsening e-scooter crisis is expected to increase safety among riders.
In the wake of a successful police operation at Coolum that used drone technology to target personal mobility device (PMD) offenders, Sunshine Coast police are engaging with schools and teaming up with government and community groups to address growing concerns about usage of the machines.
Local emergency departments continue to be hit with scores of e-scooter-related injuries, prompting calls for more to be done in the space of rider education.
In August, Sunshine Coast Health Trauma Service revealed there were 118 presentations to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital emergency department, from January last year to January this year.
Of those, 82 patients were aged between six and 15 years old.
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club has been working with police during the past four months to deliver workshops that will take place at Coolum State School at Coolum Beach on November 30 and Good Shepherd Lutheran College at Noosaville on December 7.
The club’s Bryan Arber said regular discussions and comments on PMD safety had created a demand for greater education and preventive measures.
“Look at any Facebook community group and it will not take you long to come across a post lamenting a near miss with a PMD either on the roads or shared public pathway,” he said.
“There is also no shortage of posts highlighting dangerous behaviour and lack of road rules being followed.
“We have a growing number of young people on the roads who have had no formal training on the rules of the road or road safety. Left unchecked this can only lead to more serious injuries and fatalities.”
Mr Arber said the club and QPS would deliver the workshop in collaboration with Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Fire and Rescue, Queensland Ambulance, Queensland Health, Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council and local schools.
“Over the months of planning, the event has grown to include a number of key stakeholders,” he said.
“In fact, whoever the Lions and police spoke to were keen to be involved, such is the passion around this topic.
“The events are aimed at the whole community with the intent to educate and raise safety awareness on the rules and regulations around e-scooters and e-bikes.
“There will be a number of talks on the day from keynote speakers plus practical e-bike and e-scooter training, with each session lasting around 45 minutes.
“If you’re a parent or grandparent thinking of buying a PMD for your child or grandchild or you have a family member who already has a PMD, please come along as a family.
“Let’s keep everyone safe through education and training.”
Sunshine Coast District Officer Acting Superintendent Chris Toohey said local police were taking action through enforcement and education initiatives, including meeting with schools.
“We’ve seen too many instances of children and adults riding e-scooters and e-bikes illegally and dangerously, which can lead to crashes and serious injury,” he said.
Coolum State High School executive principal Troy Ascott said the safety and wellbeing of students and families was a priority.
“We believe that it is essential to equip our community with the knowledge they need to navigate their surroundings safely,” he said.
“Partnering with local emergency and community services for the Coolum community safety day is a fantastic way to provide valuable information, resources, and support, while also strengthening our relationship with the community.”
Department of Transport and Main Roads general manager land transport safety and regulation Joanna Robinson said most e-scooter and e-bike crashes were single vehicle crashes that involved the rider not following the rules.
Register for the free events at Coolum or Noosaville.
