Submissions

To: Auckland Council
Date: February 2025

Purpose

This submission’s primary purpose is to express support for bike riding and wheeled play facilities while simultaneously raising significant concerns about the safety and impact of e-scooters on the disabled community. DPA aims to advocate for equity of access to Council services and projects, emphasising the crucial need for the voices of disabled people to be heard in all decisions affecting their communities, particularly concerning shared public spaces and pedestrian safety.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA expressed support for the development of such facilities. However, a predominant concern raised by several members of the disability community pertains to accessible parks and pathways and ensuring that the voices of disabled people are heard in all decisions impacting their communities across Tāmaki Makaurau.

A major issue detailed by DPA is that disabled pedestrians, particularly blind/low-vision and wheelchair users, are being forced off footpaths due to e-scooters blocking pathways or being ridden dangerously. This unsafe environment on footpaths has led some disabled individuals to switch to using Total Mobility transport, which increases their personal costs at a time when the cost of living is high. DPA also recommends that Auckland Transport thoroughly consider the full impact of e-scooters on the disability community and adheres to the guidance provided by their own Disability Advisory Panel.

Key Recommendation:

DPA recommended that all motorised vehicles be removed from footpaths, or if they must be on footpaths, that riders walk and push the e-scooter (like cyclists), to ensure the safety of disabled people, children, and older people.

Supporting Statement 1:

“Low vision pedestrians are virtually indistinguishable from sighted pedestrians if they do not use a cane or guide dog, so e-scooters are very dangerous as the drivers assume that if they speed along footpaths people will move out of their way,”

Supporting Statement 2:

“Abandoned e-scooters blocking footpaths are trip hazards for everyone - but pose a particular danger to many people with disabilities.”