JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida Police Department, AAA and UF Health held a news conference on Thursday morning to address the growing use of micromobility devices, including e-scooters, e-bikes, skateboards and mopeds.
During the news conference, AAA officials announced the launch of the “Safe Streets for Small Wheels Campaign,” which aims to promote safe driving habits and responsible use of electronic devices.
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Officials said trauma centers across the state, and even the country, are reporting an “alarming” increase in injuries and even death related to the use of these devices.
“AAA is not here to condemn the use of E-bikes and scooters, but we do want to raise awareness about their presence and discourage the risky driving habits that contribute to these crashes,” Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesperson, said.
Press play below to watch the news conference
UNF Police Deputy Chief Adam Brown said there has been a significant increase in the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and motorized skateboards on campus.
For that reason, the police department has a program in place called “Stroll It, Don’t Roll It,” which encourages e-device users to get off their devices on crosswalks that go across roadways and stroll, instead of riding across.
“A lot of times these bikes and these skateboards, they’re going to go across the roadways very quickly, and you don’t always have a lot of time to adjust to that,” Brown said.
A recent study found that between 2017 and 2022, e-bike injuries doubled annually and e-scooter injuries increased by 45 percent each year.
Brown said the nationwide trend is concerning, and officers want to be proactive.
“I want to get the message out there now before we do have serious problems,” Brown said.
Rebecca Melvin, with UF Health Jacksonville, said injuries are often severe.
“You’re seeing an increase in head injuries, not just traumatic brain injuries, but skull fractures and facial fractures. These are the things that we normally see with motorcycle wrecks, not a 7-year-old on a bicycle,” Melvin said.
Officials are urging riders to follow the rules of the road, wear a helmet rated for the speed, and always be visible.
They also say both riders and drivers share responsibility in making sure small wheels don’t lead to big consequences.