The key facts

  • Moscow City Duma deputy Alexander Davankov sent a request to Minister of Transport Dmitry Yadrov
  • It is proposed to establish unified criteria for PMD movement restrictions taking into account sidewalk width, pedestrian traffic, and accident rates
  • The appeal is connected with the preparation of amendments to the Traffic Rules regulating the use of PMDs

Request to the Minister of Transport

Moscow City Duma deputy Alexander Davankov sent a letter to Russian Minister of Transport Dmitry Yadrov proposing to develop special routes for courier electric transport. The appeal is connected with the preparation of amendments to the Traffic Rules regulating the use of personal mobility devices (PMDs), reports the Moscow city news agency citing the deputy.

What is being proposed

The appeal proposes establishing unified criteria for PMD movement restrictions — taking into account sidewalk width, pedestrian traffic intensity, accident rates, and the availability of safe alternative routes. Davankov also believes it is necessary to assess in advance the consequences of restrictions for pedestrians and couriers, and to develop special routes for courier electric transport on the busiest sections.

The deputy's arguments

According to Davankov, in large cities couriers actively use electric transport, and their movement along sidewalks causes concern among pedestrians, especially near schools and bus stops. At the same time, the deputy notes, restrictions without safe alternatives could push couriers onto the roadway, where other risks arise.

Context

Earlier, Gazeta.Ru reported that bicycle couriers are to be pushed off sidewalks and required to obtain a driving license, and also wrote about an error in the Traffic Rules. The deputy's new appeal shows that the discussion of PMD movement rules continues, and it raises the question of balancing pedestrian safety with couriers' working conditions.