Anyone Else Getting Fatigued By Sidewalk Speedways? [OPINION]

The sidewalk used to be a peaceful place for old timers like me that were looking to take a casual stroll, in my case as a futile effort to stay 'in shape.' While you may have encountered a stray kid on a bike, skateboarder or in-line skater, for the most park the pathway was pretty chill.

Well, those days are gone. Long gone. Enter: electric everything. Electric bikes, electric scooters, electric four-wheelers, electric golf carts all flying down the sidewalk at top speed. If it could potentially be powered by the key at the end of Benny Franklin's kite, look behind you because one is likely gaining on you quickly.

KIDS HAVE ENERGY TO BURN 

Even my son has gotten in on the act with an electric scooter, purchased with his own money. My big objection in his case isn't necessarily safety related (he got a slower, beginner model), but exercise related. He used to love using his foot-powered, old-fashioned scooter when we went on walks- not anymore! He wants the power, baby!

This makes every walk a negotiation between me and him, with me wanting him to actually get exercise on this walk and he... not.

SHARING THE ROAD

My bigger issue with the proliferation of powered everythings is the free-for-all happening on the sidewalks. Like a lot of people, if not most people, I like to listen to music or podcasts on my headphones while walking. Well, you can imagine the clenching that happens when you are concentrating on what you are hearing and tired from walking only for six nine-year-olds to come whizzing by like extras in Mad Max: Fury Road or something.

THE FIX 

I'm not sure what the answer is. Truth be told, I think electric bikes, scooters and other powered vehicles are pretty awesome. I can promise you that I would have BEGGED for one as a kid.

With that being said, I think it may be time to figure out some sort of truce between us old folks who are scared of change like to take our nice, calm walks down the sidewalk and those young whippersnappers terrorizing us with their fancy electric bikes.