The use of electric scooters in Lexington is being reviewed following a fatal accident last week.
Timothy Freeman, 35, died after a crash on Richmond Road Nov. 4. Shared electric scooters became available in Lexington the week before
Council Member Josh McCurn proposed to change the law to allow scooters on sidewalks, except in the downtown area. But, council voted 9-6 to first examine the proposal in committee. Council Member Bill Farmer said “I think there is a lot of concern in the public. I don’t think there’s a rush in the public, there’s concern in the public about how these scooters are going to integrate into transportation group of things that we use,” said Farmer.
Council Member Angela Evans said the city essentially has three options; keep the law as is, add sidewalks, or vote to get rid of e-scooters. Council Member Jennifer Reynolds favors allowing sidewalk travel. “Yes, they can be dangerous, so can bicycles, so can walking. There’s quite a few people who have lost their lives in my district on their bike or crossing the street,” noted Reynolds.
A committee is scheduled to consider the proposal in January, unless a special meeting is held before then.
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