Resident urges action on e-scooter safety; council discusses education and enforcement

A St. Marys resident, Robin Cruz, told the city council she is “really concerned that somebody is gonna get hurt badly,” describing a recent near-collision while walking her dog and urging the city to take steps to reduce injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes.

Council members and staff responded that scooters are subject to existing traffic laws but that enforcement is limited by officers’ ability to observe violations. A council member noted the city previously passed legislation requiring helmets on bicycles and scooters and said police try to enforce the law when they see violations.

Several members proposed nonregulatory options intended to reduce risk rather than immediately change local law. Ideas included offering a short education seminar led by police at schools, resurrecting a bike-rodeo model with donated helmets and safety stations, and partnering with civic groups such as the Rotary Club to incentivize attendance. The director of public service/safety said staff would ask the police chief and the new school resource officer to explore school-based outreach and to look for existing programs used by other communities.

The council did not introduce a new ordinance or motion on scooters during the meeting; members described the discussion as an initial, informal review and said enforcement and education options will be explored further.

The council moved on after confirming there were no other members of the public wishing to speak.