Albufeira raises awareness of the correct use of electric bicycles and scooters

According to the National Road Safety Authority, scooter accidents increased from 87 in 2020 to 249 in 2021

The legal framework and legislation in force within the scope of electric scooters and bicycles, risks and safe behavior when driving and the importance of supervision were some of the topics addressed in the awareness-raising action promoted by the Municipality of Albufeira on the 8th of May, the eve of the European Road Safety Day. 

The action included interventions by Rui Ribeiro, president of the National Road Safety Authority, Sérgio Gregório, Chief Sergeant of the GNR, Rosa Pita, vice president of Road Safety and João Paulo Justino, responsible for training the ACP.

Cláudia Guedelha, councilor responsible for Education, said that «electric bicycles and scooters are a relatively recent reality in our cities, which have advantages and dangers that it is important to analyze, discuss and raise awareness among users, preferably from the first years of schooling ».

According to the mayor, «the Albufeira Council is particularly attentive to these issues, both through the awareness-raising actions that it carries out regularly at the Fixed Traffic School and in the schools themselves, and through the organization of actions such as this one aimed at the community».

«It is important that everyone prepares for this new challenge, children, young people, parents, schools, each one must play their role in favor of safety», he concludes.

According to the Chamber, mobility policies have encouraged the use of bicycles and electric scooters with advantages in environmental terms, «being an excellent alternative for shorter routes, and can even be combined with the use of public transport, avoiding the use of the private car.

The municipality is, however, concerned about safety issues, especially with regard to scooters, "one of the main trends in micromobility in the coming years".

According to the National Road Safety Authority, scooter accidents recorded by the GNR and PSP increased from 87 in 2020 to 249 in 2021, "a worrying increase".

From the interventions of the invited specialists, the following circulation rules for scooter users should be noted: those who use a scooter are subject to traffic rules – electric scooters with motors up to 250 W and limited to 25 km/h are equivalent to bicycles and they must ride on the bike path (when there is no bike path, they must ride on the road, always leaning to the right); he must signal maneuvers and changes of direction with his hands; use lights and reflectors at dusk or in poor visibility conditions; keep a safe distance that allows you to brake and avoid obstacles, pay attention to the conditions of the floor and do not drive with more than one occupant; it is forbidden to ride on sidewalks, if you have to cross one, you must do so with the scooter in your hand; the use of cell phones and headphones is prohibited; despite not needing a driving license to ride a scooter, drivers can be punished if the alcohol level is higher than allowed by the Highway Code; it is also mandatory to always carry an identification document.

Although it is not mandatory for scooter and electric bicycle drivers to wear a helmet, the participants recall that this is always advisable for safety reasons, just like insurance.

 



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