Electric scooters, safety concerns top discussion at Humboldt City Council meeting

By PHIL MONSON

HUMBOLDT - The emergence of electric scooters in the community has created a new set of issues when it comes to safety, according to Humboldt resident Barry Ellis.

Ellis and his wife, who reside at 301 5th Street North in Humboldt, spoke during open forum at the Humboldt City Council meeting on Monday night, June 16. Ellis lives near the T intersection with 3rd Avenue North, which has a stop sign illuminated by a red flashing light. The intersection is a busy street crossing with a sidewalk entering into Taft Park on the west side of the street.

“Just recently I witnessed a kid on a scooter drive across the street into the park. He didn’t stop. A white car, lucky it wasn’t going too fast, laid at least a seven-foot skid mark to avoid running him over,” Ellis said.

“I would like to see the city crack down on that area. It’s not just for the kids and the people driving, but also for the older people who live in the area,” Ellis said. “Many of these kids drive these scooters fast on sidewalks, zipping by older people who are walking and cannot keep their balance when trying to avoid getting hit.”

“Kids on bicycles, now on scooters, are just shooting down the sidewalks and the street, going from one side to the other and not looking around for cars and pedestrians,” Ellis said.

“There is also a problem with cars not stopping at that stop sign. With older people trying to cross the street and walk through, I’ve seen them walk halfway across the street and cars have driven right by them without even stopping,” Ellis said.

“I’ve seen families on their bikes and carriers behind them and not stopping to cross the street,” Ellis said.

“I recommend you install speed bumps just beyond the intersection with 3rd Avenue North to make these cars slow down. I’ve seen trucks and tractors blow right through the stop sign,” Ellis said.

“After witnessing the near accident last week, it is an issue that needs to be addressed,” Ellis said.

“We are very much aware of the issue and we are working to address that problem,” Councilman Kirk Whittlesey said, drawing agreement with the rest of the council.

Read the full story in this week's issue of the Humboldt Independent!