A locally produced booklet that shows the safe way to use motorised scooters and wheelchairs has been updated and reprinted to help people throughout Victoria. The booklet is an initiative of the City of Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire Rural Access program.
Following the death of two people on motorised scooters in May, Council received funding from the Department of Human Services for the reprint. Some 20,000 copies of the ‘Stay Safe’ booklet have been reprinted and distributed to 79 Victorian Councils.
Greater Bendigo Mayor, Councillor David Jones, said the funding for the project reinforced the excellent community development programs undertaken by the Rural Access Program in working with the communities.
“The first edition was much sought after and over 15,000 copies were distributed around Australia,” he said. “The second edition of the booklet uses cartoons to portray its messages and includes a self assessment check list. It also covers a range of issues including the importance of taking precautions to prevent accidents, sharing the footpath and avoiding footpath rage. This second edition has more up to date information, including a section on how to traverse railway crossings safely.”
City of Greater Bendigo’s, Director Community Wellbeing, Barry Secombe, said that the number of motorised scooters and wheelchairs in use around Greater Bendigo has increased as a result of the City’s ageing population.
“Motorised scooters and electric wheelchairs are a great way for many people with disabilities or older residents to move independently around the community,” he said. “However, we should not forget that it is important that residents use scooters responsibly and do not jeopardise their own or other people’s safety.”
For a copy of the new edition, contact Caroll Morgan or Chris Walters on (03) 5434 6386.
