Ikšķile residents alarmed by teenagers on electric scooters

Residents of Ikšķile, a town in Latvia, have started a social media discussion about teenagers riding electric scooters and bicycles. It was prompted by a local resident's post urging parents to take away or sell the scooters bought for their children before a serious accident happens. The post describes groups of young riders speeding along pavements, across the road and into the oncoming lane without looking around. The author warns of possible consequences for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Dangerous situations in town

Commenters describe what they have witnessed themselves. Jolanta Koroļova recalls an incident a week earlier on Ozola Street, where boys on electric scooters rode out from Lībiešu Street, which has to give way, without stopping. Mārtiņš Mālnieks writes that two primary school pupils on bicycles crossed Lejas Street at full speed and ended up 1–2 metres from his car. Ieva Cielava says riders even enter the shop and that a young man once nearly knocked her down at the doors of Maxima.

The situation near the school causes particular concern. Krista Ūzula writes that first-graders run around the school grounds after lessons while scooters race past at speed and riders perform tricks. According to her, the teenagers responded rudely when reprimanded. Laura Keira saw three girls on a single scooter, with only one wearing a helmet.

The dark season

Residents note that the risk grows in the dark. Kristaps Kaire writes that some riders use a mobile phone torch instead of lights. Santa Aveniņa noticed children on bicycles on Halloween evening who were barely visible. She reminds readers that Latvia's Road Traffic Regulations require a white light at the front and a red light at the rear of a bicycle in darkness or poor visibility.

Who is responsible

Some commenters place responsibility on parents. Laura Keira urges them to teach children traffic rules, while Jānis Kravalis says powerful scooters are a deliberate parental purchase. Others expect action from the municipal police. Ilze Racicka asks whether the police can do nothing, and Mārīte Šleine believes young people lack respect for the police, adding that she does not see police activity in the town centre in her daily life.