Blind People Sue Berlin Over E-scooter Sidewalk Chaos
Blind people in Berlin face challenges navigating the city due to electric scooters, which often block sidewalks. Bedia Kunz, a blind woman, has sued against the 'wild growth' of electric scooters, citing safety concerns. The Blind Association, supported by the Cycling Association, seeks a solution with the Senate to protect pedestrians' safe space.
The Blind Association has been advocating for barrier-free access and has sued the Senate to restrict electric scooter parking to designated areas off sidewalks. However, the Berlin Administrative Court ruled that the association should have targeted each of the five electric scooter companies instead. The Senate's transportation administration acknowledges the 'conflict of interest on the sidewalks' and plans to tighten regulations.
Bedia Kunz has fallen several times due to haphazardly parked electric scooters, causing injuries. The Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg ruled that companies do not have a right to obtain or continue electric scooter permits. Currently, there are special use permits for five electric scooter providers in Berlin, allowing nearly 46,900 electric scooters by March 2027.
The Blind Association wants to negotiate with the Senate to find a mutually acceptable solution to the electric scooter issue. Despite the setback in court, they remain committed to protecting blind people's right to safe and accessible sidewalks.
Read also:
- Kazakhstan's National Bank Boosts Currency Sales to $1.4 Trillion in Q4
- Duty on cotton imported into India remains unchanged, as U.S. tariffs escalate to their most severe levels yet
- Steak 'n Shake CEO's supposed poor leadership criticism sparks retaliation from Cracker Barrel, accusing him of self-interest
- Hydrogen Energy: Sustainable Innovation or Resource Exploitation?
