‘Put on the damn helmet’: Vancouver comedian urges safety following e-scooter collision

A Vancouver comedian is urging e-scooter riders to prioritize safety measures following her own near-miss accident last month. Jessica Pigeau recounted how a driver of a southbound SUV suddenly turned left in front of her as she was riding north on Alder Street between West 11th and West 12th Avenues on July 19. Pigeau was travelling at approximately 15-20 kilometers per hour when she collided with the passenger side of the vehicle, her head slamming into the hood.

She is thankful she had worn her helmet, as it likely prevented her from suffering serious injuries, perhaps even a concussion or a broken nose. Vancouver police have heightened their education campaign on social media in light of the death of another e-scooter rider, Shyan Lolly, who died from injuries sustained in a collision on July 3.

Lolly was not wearing a helmet at the time. The Community Against Preventable Injuries reports that B.C. has seen around 175 to 180 adult-related scooter injuries over the past couple of years that required hospitalization. Dr. Ian Pike, co-executive director of the organization, notes that current e-scooter injury statistics are likely an underestimation due to limitations in data capture systems.

Pike emphasizes the need for more stringent safety measures, including mandatory helmet use and a learner's driver's license for e-scooter operation.