Since deploying across the UK, Zwings has prioritised reducing pavement riding and increasing riders’ education on traffic rules, as well as describing how riders, pedestrians, and other travellers, movers and shakers can co-exist harmoniously in modern cities.
Why does this matter?
Prior to launching in any region, we engage with representatives of vulnerable groups to ensure that their concerns are listened to and accommodated through our operations. Zwings believes that towns and cities thrive when people are connected and support one another; being conscious of how we interact with the world around us is integral to leading a happy, healthy and well-balanced life.
Tolerance first
Pavements are for walking. Cycle lanes and roads are for riding. Sure, some riders feel safer on the pavement; some riders feel that the pavement is wide enough for riders and pedestrians; some riders even think the pavement offers a shortcut to Aunt Margaret’s annual BBQ (not today, Margaret, we’re in lockdown). But whatever the reason for scooting on the pavement…
It is illegal
Yes, it is illegal. It is dangerous not only for you, but for pedestrians who will not be expecting anyone riding a scooter on the pavement. It is particularly hazardous for blind, deaf and elderly people who may not be able to react in time to an approaching vehicle. When you scoot on the pavement, you’re gambling that you won’t come across anybody who doesn’t expect you. It’s a big risk, and it absolutely isn’t worth it. The Highway Code states (Rule 64): “You MUST not cycle on a pavement”. The offence of riding on the pavement is punishable by an on-the-spot fine, a fixed penalty notice of £30, and can lead to the deactivation of your Zwings account.
What should I do?
- Please ensure you scoot safely and responsibly on the road and never ride on the pavement.
- Please use cycle lanes if they are available.
- Please wear appropriate clothing to make yourself highly visible to pedestrians.
- Please do not scoot under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and always stay alert to your surroundings.
Any breaches of these rules can lead to implications including gaining points on your license and receiving fines.
We recognise that e-scooters are brand new to Britain’s streets so people are only getting used to their presence and how to use them. Meanwhile, bicycles have been around for over 200 years. Zwings is on a mission to seamlessly integrate this new mode of travel into our existing transport infrastructure to deliver needed support to communities for years to come. Through raising awareness, implementing technologies and delivering education we believe e-scooter riders, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users can enjoy a harmony of safe and responsible urban travel.
said Founder & CEO of Zwings, Joe Lewin.
We are committed to making sure vulnerable people, including the elderly, the partially sighted and those with disabilities are considered and do not feel inconvenienced by our e-scooter rental schemes. Zwings, as a community-focused organisation, is working towards implementing and managing e-scooter and bike sharing schemes that benefits everyone – not just the riders.
Everyday Zwings continues to educate riders to improve the safety of pedestrians and make sure they are riding responsibly, and observing traffic rules and regulations through different social media platforms and in the Zwings app.
Take Action
If you are interested in promoting responsible healthy living, sustainable travel, and are looking to partner with Zwings to transform the way we get around safely, connect with our team via support@zwings.co.uk.