SCOOT!!

Graphic by Téa Sklar

Dear Scooter Users, 

There’s truly nothing like almost getting mauled to death by an electric scooter on an early, rainy fall day. I would say that’s an exaggeration but it’s happened to me one too many times for me to be lying. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against scooters or bikes. If that’s the way you choose to get where you’re going then so be it but please, I pray, stop riding your vehicle in the middle of the busiest possible paths on campus. If you are going to use wheels instead of your obviously perfect working feet, please be aware of the people trying to get to class in one piece.

The other day, I was walking through the quad to get to my 9:30 class that I was already running late for and one of you brushed past me going the other way on your scooter. This may not seem like the biggest deal to you but if I had been even a centimeter to the left you would have hit me. I’m trying my best not to sound like a Karen right now but believe it or not, college students are also concerned for their safety and would rather not have their parents get a call from the hospital that their child has tire marks across their face. 

You may be thinking that I am only concerned for my and other pedestrians’ safety, but I am also concerned for yours. On the day of our first snow, the roads were very wet and icy. I saw another one of you on a OneWheel going at maximum speed down the hill from Crouse to Marshall street. I’ve been trying to have a clean bill of health since I arrived on campus but you made that pretty hard for me after I almost got a heart attack watching you almost slide down to your doom. I just want to know, why?

I also want to talk to you all about the parking situations. I know many of you have your own scooters and you have locks and other places to park your vehicle. However, for the ones who use the campus’ Veo scooters, please be mindful to not leave your bikes in the middle of the road. You can simply take it two feet to the closest sidewalk and lean it on a tree or a street lamp. Again, not trying to sound like a boomer, I just want to walk through my beautiful campus without having to see a bike thrown in the middle of where I’m trying to walk. They are also pretty expensive so an alternative if you don’t already own a bike would be, and this is only a suggestion, to walk!

Please take my advice and grievances into consideration. I, and many others like me, just want to be able to walk to our classes without fearing for our or your lives. I don’t wish harm on anyone and I hope none of you wish harm on the people walking so please think about us too. 

Best,

A concerned pedestrian

P.S. Please don’t read this on your scooter.