Boston councilor's war on delivery scooters
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A Boston city councilor says misbehaving food delivery vehicles have become such a public safety threat that the city needs to consider a ban to get delivery app drivers under control.
Why it matters: The proposal from City Councilor Ed Flynn follows a fatal August collision involving a delivery driver near Copley Square.
- Flynn wants the city to take the conflict between pedestrian safety and gig economy workers more seriously.
What they're saying: "[Pedestrians are] in the crosswalk and they're afraid to cross the street because of a reckless scooter driving 30 miles an hour right through a red light," Flynn told Axios.
Driving the news: Flynn filed an amended ordinance to ban mopeds and e-bikes from third-party food delivery.
- He admits an outright ban would be an extreme move and said he instead wants the council, mayor's office and other parties to come up with a plan to improve safety.
- "It's about a willingness to sit down and discuss traffic enforcement in the city of Boston, coming up with compromises that work, but acknowledging that the current, the status quo, just can't continue any longer," Flynn said.
The big picture: Flynn points to frequent reports of delivery vehicles exceeding 20 mph, driving on sidewalks and heading the wrong direction on city streets.
- Current enforcement is "wholly unrealistic," according to Flynn, given police staffing constraints.
- The city previously encouraged two-wheeled delivery during the pandemic to reduce car congestion.
Between the lines: Fellow councilors Henry Santana and Enrique Pepen oppose the measure because of the economic impact delivery workers dependent on these vehicles would face.
Catch up quick: Boston passed some delivery driver permit requirements in April.
What's next: The proposal awaits committee review and a possible council vote.
- Flynn would like to see a full council hearing with representatives from food delivery companies, drivers and public safety officials on the record.