HAVE YOUR SAY …

Here’s where readers of The West End Journal share their views on recent stories and features. Each month we will collect some of the feedback in the Comments section of the previous month’s articles. Your contributions to the conversation are much appreciated. Here we go …
(click images to enlarge)

THE INVASION OF THE LIME SCOOTERS

In our December issue Jacqui Birchall reported on the growing proliferation of Lime scooter stands in the West End, and related concerns and hazards. Our readers said …

**enjoy your ride and follow these simple, clear instructions.** *(Jacqui Birchall Photo)*

Vic Leach: Although e-scooters may have some benefits in convenience there are also a number of drawbacks. For instance, as the operators of such devices are not required to carry any insurance or government issued identification. If a person wants to rent an e-scooter from a dockless station, then they only need an app and a credit card. Children as young as 9 or 10 years of age can get a "supplementary" credit card based on their parent's or guardian's credit card and if they have been given a mobile phone, they can download an app to rent an e-scooter and they can rent one as no one is at a "dockless" station to oversee the transaction.

If these young people are injured, then the rentor and/or municipality and/or financial institution would blame the parent or guardian for allowing this to happen and the expense of emergency health is up to the province and the hospital's emergency department. Many people believe they can outsmart others and use an e-scooter after they drink alcohol or take drugs without consequences. In a 2023 report from a US neurosurgery report, they found that 43 out of 50 people had taken alcohol and/or drugs and who crashed while on e-scooters ended up in a trauma centre with severe traumatic brain injuries, intracranial hemorrhaging and other medical issues. As that study showed, those severely injured will have little likelihood of being productive members of society in future.

Scott Bourgeois: Lime is a commercial endeavour and they placed a commercial operation station in front of our residentially zoned west end building at Comox and Jervis. We have been dealing with noise and garbage for several months. I have sent almost 100 ignored complaints to Lime and the city of Vancouver requesting a relocation of the station. I have met with with them and they refuse to see the issues caused by their arrogant users. I have video evidents of Parents riding double with children and no helmets for either. Thee CEOs Toby Sun and Brad Boa are unreachable. The representative for the city Zak Zinasni is clearly on side with Lime even though he is paid by us the taxpayer. His attitude was dismissive and biased. Valuable parking for residents with mobility issues have been reduced. This commercial service has nothing to do with reducing cars or greening the city, but is clearly another cash grab by the city.

Ingrid: I'm a senior pedestrian in the west end. Zoomed NY on sidewalk often. Don't hear them coming. Right beside me. If I took a step to the side I would be hit. I walk with a walker. Have bad osteoporosis. If I fall I will break bones. Live alone. No one to help.
If nothing else, will be big cost for taxpayers. I will not get any compensation. Can't afford extra costs. Skateboarding on sidewalk also. Corner Denman and Nelson should be watched. They also cross the street when its red light for traffic. When I'm crossing in crosswalk!

DID YOU MISS IT? You’ll find the original article here.