Scooter headaches on Sea Point Promenade

The increase in the use of e-scooters on the Sea Point Promenade has raised concerns among locals, labelling it as an "accident waiting to happen".

Reckless riding, high speeds, and no helmets or safety equipment are among the list of concerns streaming in, causing a stir on social media.

Rachel Marsden was visiting the promenade recently, watching over her children, when a scooter came speeding towards them. Fortunately, the rider gained control of the racing scooter, avoiding a crash.

"The person was trying to cut somebody off who was busy riding on the paving area, but then shot across the grassed area, and the tyres could not grip, but he controlled it just in time, otherwise he would have crashed into the kids," she said.

"He sped off laughing, but does not realise that it could have been so much more serious."

In another instant, Anthony Thompson had been jogging on the promenade when two young riders came speeding towards him.

"These two were basically watching each other, laughing and smiling, not even taking note of others using the promenade at the time. They could have gone crashing into the sea or even into a group of joggers," he said.

"This is an accident waiting to happen, and something must be done."

Former City of Cape Town Councillor, Jacques Weber, said he had been following concerns over the past few days on social media and decided to witness it for himself.

"I generally do not spend much time on the promenade for several reasons, but I purposely went down to have a look for myself. After observing it first hand, I can say without hesitation that I agree, it is an accident waiting to happen," he said.

Mr Weber said that the increase in promenade use over time has also led to changes in the way people use transport.

"We now see a growing number of electric and motorised devices being introduced into the same shared space, many of which were never envisaged when the promenade's original usage rules were framed," he said.

He added that e-scooters and similar high-speed "e-type" devices could not be compared to traditional bicycles or skateboards.

Sea Point ward councillor, Nicola Jowell, clarified and said online claims that e-scooters were banned on the Sea Point Promenade were incorrect.

She said the promenade was open to walking pedestrians as well as bicycles and electric devices.

In 2013, the City lifted the "pedestrian-only" rule on the Sea Point Promenade. However, the rule was never formally reviewed and continued without change.

In 2020, the City conducted a public survey, asking whether the use of vehicles and wheels should be banned, time frames given for these activities to take place, and generally, how the City could resolve the problem.

According to Ms Jowell, thousands of comments were received, with a vast majority calling for vehicles with wheels to be allowed on the promenade.

Ms Jowell said safety was indeed a major concern and said the City would once again have to consider the matter.