The moment of the return to roads in spring of different types of vehicles that are mostly unused in winter, namely bicycles, electric scooters, and other micro-mobility tools, is very risky, said Jānis Vanks, director of Safe Driving School.
He said: "Drivers are not used to having tools like this or have forgotten it. Those who ride the [bikes and scooters], on the other hand, have rusty skills. This is normal."
In addition to that, road pavement is still dirty, covered in dust and stones that reduce grip. Pits haven't been repaired either. Both drivers and users of micro-mobility tools, which are also subject to all the same road traffic rules, should be careful.
Experts also urge drivers not to forget that the pedestrian has the upper hand on the pavement.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), Mārtiņš Mālmeisters, added: “When traveling on a bike and an electric scooter, it is highly recommended to wear a protective helmet on your head.” He added that a protective helmet is a mandatory requirement for riding an electric scooter up to and including 17 years of age.
Also this year, there are new rules governing which electric scooters are allowed to take part in road traffic at all. "Every electric scooter must be registered with CSDD as of April 1 and a registration sticker must be obtained. Only registered electric scooters will be allowed to travel in road traffic,” the CSDD spokesperson said.
