Tararua District Council and the Rangitāne Scooter Club promote safer footpaths for mobility scooters

The Rangitāne Scooter Club met with Mayor Tracey Collis at Council recently to discuss the condition of our footpaths. The Scooter Club members rely mostly on mobility scooters for transportation. The goal of the Rangitāne Scooter Club is to help raise awareness in our community of scooter use, safety and most importantly to participate and have fun together.

Mayor Collis emphasised the significance of this issue. “Listening to the concerns of the Scooter Club was incredibly valuable. It reminds us of our responsibilities and the need to keep footpaths in good condition for all community members.”

Another key topic was the need for residents to trim overhanging trees and shrubs that encroach onto the footpaths, as these can become a serious hazard especially when the flags on their mobility scooter get tangled up in overhanging shrubs and trees.

Megan Ellmers is a Kaiwhakapuaki Waiora / Health Coach, of Te Kete Hauora o Rangitāne Tamaki nui ā Rua, who supports the Scooter Club; “Another important issue raised is the practice of parking halfway on a driveway and halfway on the footpath, making it difficult or impossible for those on scooters to pass.”

Megan adds that: “The Scooter Club currently has 12 members, and we are always looking for more. Everyone is welcome to join. We meet every 2nd Thursday of the month, 11.30am, at Manawanui Whānau Wellness Space at Rangitāne Square in Dannevirke. Also, we are planning to hold a fundraiser on the 8th of August, we will be making some nice warm soup to sell and the proceeds raised from this day will go towards future events, decided and voted on by the Rangitāne Scooter Club members.

Overhanging trees and shrubs not only affect elderly residents on mobility scooters but also create visibility issues for road users, pose hazards for vehicles exiting driveways, and block important road signs. They can also be troublesome for pedestrians and parents with strollers. Winter is a perfect time to tackle this task, especially with spring growth just around the corner.

Council would like to remind residents to take some time to inspect their property and ensure that all trees and shrubs are trimmed back clear of the footpath edge, with a clearance of 2.1 meters above the footpath. This will help keep the pathways safe and accessible for everyone.

“If you notice any vegetation or hedging starting to overhang or block the pavement, please consider others, and trim it back. This small effort can make a big difference for those using our footpaths,” says Mayor Collis.

For more information on the Rangitāne Scooter Club please contact:

Megan.Ellmers@rangitane.co.nz or 027 444 1363