In Polish cities, where hundreds of thousands of people decision on ft all day, a fresh legislative proposal has appeared, which can revolutionize the way they decision on sidewalks. In consequence to the increasing popularity of electrical scooters, bicycles and another electric-powered vehicles, a petition was sent to the Sejm, which could forever change the rules of travelling in space intended mainly for pedestrians.
Walker – pedestrian space
The walkways in Polish cities are primarily designed for pedestrians. According to applicable regulations, pedestrians have the full right to decision on the pavement, and another forms of movement can only usage it in exceptional cases. For example, cars can park on the pavement, but only in places designated for this purpose, retaining a minimum space of 1.5 meters for pedestrians. Dogs besides have the right to decision freely, without obstacles in the form of illegally parked vehicles, advertisements or catering gardens.
Meanwhile, the expanding number of electrical scooters and another akin vehicles began to pose a threat to pedestrian safety, especially in crowded cities. Even in spite of the regulations introduced concerning the usage of pavements by users of electrical scooters, the problem has not disappeared.
Development of micromobility and problems on pavements
Electric scooters in Poland have gained large popularity. They are fast, comfortable and ecological, making them a preferred alternate to public transport, bicycles or cars. Moving around cities became easier, and scooters themselves are available almost everywhere thanks to the rental system. In 2021, regulations were introduced to order traffic on pavements, but the problem continued to increase.
These provisions let users of electrical scooters to usage pavements only in exceptional situations, with them having to give way to pedestrians. The allowed velocity of the scooter is limited to 20 km/hand persons under the age of 18 must have a bicycle card or driving licence. AM. Despite these regulations, the number of accidents involving electrical scooters constantly increases, and many people ignore regulations and drive at excessive velocity or under the influence of alcohol.
New proposals for amending the rules
A petition was sent to the Sejm, which assumes a extremist change in regulations concerning the movement of electrical vehicles on pavements. The proposed changes include a ban on the movement of electrical vehicles, including scooters and electrical bicycles, on pavements and another pedestrian spaces. The only exception is electrical wheelchairs.
The prohibition would besides include:
- Commercial vehicles for the supply of goods,
- Vehicles moving faster than 5 km/h.
Criminal sanctions are provided for breaking the fresh rules, which aims to strengthen law enforcement. Furthermore, applicants call for a velocity limit to 15 km/h on bicycle paths in built-up areas, as well as a ban on the designation of fresh bicycle trails on pavements if there is already a dedicated bicycle road in the area.
The problem of pedestrian safety
The petition, which went to the Sejm, emphasizes that sidewalks are becoming increasingly dangerous, especially for the elderly, children, parents with wheelchairs and people with disabilities. The study points out that not only scooters, but besides another vehicles, specified as electrical bicycles, decision at speeds reaching 40-50 km/hwhich poses a serious hazard to pedestrians. According to the petitioners, the movement of electrical vehicles in the walking space should be the exception, not the norm. The aim of the fresh paper is to reconstruct public space to pedestrians who should feel safe on pavements.
Social reactions and the future of legislation
Traffic on pavements is simply a subject that inspires quite a few emotions, especially in the context of the increasing number of accidents and conflicts between pedestrians and scooter users. Supporters of the introduction of fresh government say that the current state of affairs threatens the safety of citizens, and they believe that fresh regulations are essential to keep order and safety on pavements. On the another hand, opponents who advocate micromobility emphasize that electrical vehicles can be a valuable alternate in cities, and the full ban on their usage on pavements is besides radical.
Soon we can anticipate further debates on these provisions, which, if adopted, can change the image of Polish cities and the way their inhabitants move.
Continued here:
New ban on sidewalks already in the Sejm. Completely overturns traffic: not just pedestrians
