Seattle pedestrians fear e-scooters, with older adults most at risk

Windows and tiles shaded the colors of the rainbow adorn the exterior of Capitol Hill’s Pride Place, an LGBTQ+ affirming affordable apartment building for older adults. A rainbow-colored banner flaps in the wind reading “welcome.”

But Pride Place resident Tracey Lee feels anything but welcome when he tries to step out onto the sidewalk.

Located on Broadway between Pike and Pine streets, Pride Place is at the nexus of every possible type of urban transportation. Pedestrians, cars and well-used alternative and public transportation resources like street cars, buses, bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters all jockey for space along the major arterial.

Lee said he has to be particularly wary of e-scooters, which zip down the sidewalk swiftly, bolting past before you’ve even realized one’s behind you