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Well done to Hounslow for dodging the e-scooter bullet

Just reading this article about the problems being caused in Hammersmith and Fulham by the e-scooter trial particularly for blind people it seems only fair to congratulate Hounslow Council for declining to participate.With both Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham in the scheme, and presumably some government money made available to join, there would have been pressure to take part so someone in the council has made a very sensible decision.https://www.hammersmithtoday.co.uk/#!pages/shared:common:ldrshfroad002

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1907d8 Comments

I thought LBH was sponsoring a trial?  this from their 8/12/20 press notice:Hounslow Council is joining major global cities such as Paris, Chicago, and Rome – all of which have scooter hire schemes – to take part in a ground-breaking trial of electric scooters (e-scooters) coordinated by Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils.Cllr Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport at Hounslow Council said:“We are delighted that Hounslow is taking part in this exciting new trial. It is evidence of our ambition, and our commitment to greening the borough and we are passionate about embracing innovative technology as part of our green recovery, to offer residents new forms of accessible travel and to create safer neighbourhoods with cleaner air.“By joining the trial from the outset, Hounslow can help shape the future landscape for e-scooters and ensure the schemes deliver the very best for London. We will be monitoring the trial closely and listening to residents’ feedback so that we can ensure it works for everyone in our borough.”Throughout the trial, Hounslow will review ride data and resident feedback to make alterations to the scheme and add new ‘no go’ or ‘go slow’ areas where necessary. The use of privately-owned scooters on public roads or pavements will remain illegal during the trial, and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) will be undertaking enforcement activity to deal with them.Hounslow’s participation in the trial was approved following a Chief Officer Decision taken on Monday 30 November, with e-scooters expected to be available to rent in the borough from spring 2021.

Marie Power ● 1907d

“Rental e-scooters also have GPS controlled parking, meaning that trips can only end in designated parking bays."Well that's a whole lotta BS. Take a look at British Grove. You will often see multiple e-scooters all of one brand clustered at the very edge of the kerb at the corner directly in line with pedestrians crossing from all directions. I've also seen them neatly arrayed (let's just call it displayed by whomever drops them off) a few meters to the east of that. Another favorite is further down King Street there is a parking bay on the pavement which often has more than it can handle so people leave them wherever making walking certainly less pleasant and definitely more dangerous even for those with good eyesight. It's just by the cycle parking that sits in the middle of the pavement forcing pedestrians to walk around it. The cycles literally block walking in the direction of travel. Not sure why the cycle racks didn't end up at the edge of the kerb in that location - immediately outside the mall entrance where its a given you will have increased foot traffic.

David Lesniak ● 1907d

It looks like Hounslow did actively consider participating in the trial and then decided against it. Clearly some councillor or council officer deserves a pat on the back.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1905d

I think fat tyre scooter would be safe if able to use in a cycle lane, thinkthey are of road models though.

Janice Evans ● 1905d

Don't mean as rentals.

Janice Evans ● 1905d

Perhaps all the more surprising as it would have provided an opportunity to boost the usage figures of the cycleway. It could be that they thought the speeds these scooters can get up to would have compromised the safety of other users of the lane but electric bikes pose a similar challenge.

Francis Rowe ● 1905d

The fat wheel scooters look more stable, some with seats etc, can carryChild with you, and as some have said the lane can be slippery theselook as if they would hold the ground.

Janice Evans ● 1905d

With all the rain would make sense to use more off road bikes and peoplemight feel safer on them they are much more visible as well.

Janice Evans ● 1905d