Op-Ed: Urgent Call for Responsible Scooter Use in Our Community
by Miriam Roseman – Concerned Chosid and Community member
In our beloved Crown Heights community, a concerning trend has emerged, one that jeopardizes the safety of our streets and, most notably, our children and young individuals. The reckless operation of oversized electric scooters.
It’s impossible to ignore the dangers these scooters pose, which often exceed the size and capability of the children, Adults, and Bochurim operating them. We witness the recklessness firsthand speeding against traffic, careening wildly along sidewalks, and attempting to maneuver through crowded pedestrian areas. This behavior is not only reckless but also extremely dangerous.
I am not advocating for a ban on these scooters. I firmly believe that bans rarely yield positive outcomes. Instead, I implore parents and young adults to critically evaluate the risks associated with allowing themselves or their children to ride these vehicles. Consider the potential consequences, whether it be you or your child injuring themselves or harming others.
As someone who has personally experienced the consequences of the recklessness of being struck by a child riding a scooter, I understand the pain and frustration it can cause. However, when this incident occurred rather than responding with anger, I chose to engage in a dialogue with the child. I first ensured his well-being and then calmly discussed the incident with him. I asked him to reflect on why his actions were unsafe and encouraged him to consider whether someone his age and size should be operating such a vehicle.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and parental oversight. We must collectively recognize the gravity of the situation and take proactive measures to address it. Let us not wait for accidents to happen before we intervene.
Parents, it is incumbent upon you to educate your children about the risks associated with operating these scooters and to instill a sense of responsibility in them. If you don’t think it through and allow your child to ride these scooters, the onus is on your head. I encourage parents to exercise more caution and responsibility in their decisions regarding their children’s activities. It’s time to take a stand for safety and accountability in our community.
And let us remember, sometimes a little self-awareness and using our heads can help avoid negative consequences, even if it’s “trendy” “with it” or “In” to ride electric scooters these days. By fostering a culture of mindfulness and responsibility, we can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone in our community.
In conclusion, I urge every member of our community to prioritize safety above all else. Let us come together, not to impose bans, but to promote responsible behavior and ensure the well-being of our neighbors and loved ones. The onus is on us to act before it’s too late.
Let’s open a dialogue in the comments section below. Share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions on how we can collectively address this issue. Through thoughtful discussion and a united approach, we can bring about real change and ensure our community remains safe for everyone.
Anonymous
Yes I was in my car and there were two kids on the scooter. They were not wearing helmets and I didn’t see them and they didn’t see me and they drove straight into my car Causin damage to my and scooter regardless I am the adult so I offered and I paid for a new scooter an my car had damage about $450. The point is that when two children are on the scooter flying down the hill they cant stop
Dovid
Firstly, if there were 2 kids on a scooter without helmets who crashed into your car and it was their fault, buying them a new scooter is like buying someone drugs. Not sure why you would do it. Secondly, buying them a $200 scooter (I’m assuming you didn’t pay for an $1,000 scooter), is basically buying them a death sentence, as the scooter can snap in half in an accident, multiplying the danger.
Doc
It’s not just electric scooters it’s scooters in general and bicycles. It’s not just the child that needs education it’s the parents.
Helmets helmets helmets
Ben rav
Two 14-year-old boys were flying down the hill on a scooter. They couldn’t control to stop and they drove into the car caused damage to the scooter and the car no helmets nothing happened to them, but they saw it right away as an opportunity to make a claim. This is the culture, unfortunately.
Chaim Hershkop - Fitness Trainer
Agree with every word.
Another aspect of this is the lack of movement.
The few blocks out children would have had walking to and from school (or wherever), is now gone. Same for adults who over use them.
One of the best (and most simplest) exercise is WALKING. The more you walk (now), the more you’ll be able to walk (in the future). As the saying goes, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”.
Hmmmm...
I ride an electric scooter. Yes, I wear a helmet, I go on the side walk slowly and carefully, ( even though my scooter can go pretty fast). I personally walk more than I use it, (which is a lot), but as the saying goes, ” if I dont use it, (my electric scooter), I’ll lose it, (or get stolen).
Anonymous
Well written and timely, thank you for bringing this up. Just this morning a young bocher about 15 came unnervingly close to me with his full size electric scooter. This occurred on the sidewalk near Empire and Albany. I screamed as he whizzed by. He left me a bit shook up. Don’t know what to say, but I think parents and the yeshivas should both address this potential danger with the students.
Concerned mother
This very morning as my child boarded the school bus – with STOP SIGN AND LIGHTS FLASHING – on Lefferts which is a two-way street, a scooter came behind the bus. A father and a boy about 7-9 years old. The father passed the bus!! Right into incoming traffic!! Past a bus with a stop sign!! He could have easily been hit by an incoming car, or by the bus pulling back out.
Former Kitvak
Thank you to this author for writing what i believe is on a majority of our communities’ minds.
Efraim Tessler
Helmets, aside from the safety in case of a mistake.. they bring conscious safety awareness to the wearer.
Absolutely
I was turning from Eastern parkway onto Albany, and an Israeli bochur without a helmet just drive across Albany without looking, I was millimeters away from tragically hitting him. This was at 10pm at night and he crossed right in front of me during a green light.
Doron
Riding scooters on the sidewalk is against the law in NYC.
Anonymous
That may be so, but they are on the sidewalks more often then not. Even adults with bicycles. I don’t think the bicycle lanes are used as often as the sidewalks, sad to say. As a senior citizen I feel almost as though I have no save place. Maybe we need a pedestrian only lane?
Moshe
Besides it being a physical danger is a spiritual one too.
I’ve witnessed both young boys and bochurim riding scooters wearing Tzitzis but without a yarmulke.
Parents should also be aware they can be liable when they provide their children with this dangerous threat. They should consider the ramifications.
Ral
I know of a senior who was knocked over. Took months till equilibrium regain. No exaggeration. Pls respect elders. Their reflexes are not the same as yours. Tyia.
Dangerous
I see kids flying down the side walk much too fast and like most other people here, I’ve seen a number of accidents with these. Parents need to not allow their children to use electric scooters, period.
Shmarya Richler
I agree with the author. I’ve seen children without helmets and in some instances 2 children on the same scooter. And thank you Chaim Hershkop for bringing up the issue about lack of exercise. The little bit of walking that children and adults were doing before scooters is now a thing of the past.
Old Geezer
Every time a scooter zips by too close to me, I stick out my cane and the rider flips over it. I laugh and say, “Oops, sorry!” So if any of you scootering people come zipping by this Old Geezer, ya’d better watch out for my cane!
Mushkie
I agree with Old Geezer. The best defense is an offence. I don’t own a cane, but I will use my umbrella to deflect any scooter that enters my personal space. If I stab you in the face with the tip of my umbrella as you speed into it, sorry, lol.