I never imagined that a simple walk on a sidewalk would land me in the emergency room, not once, but twice.

About two months ago, I was walking along Forshay Road when two youngsters on e-scooters came flying up behind me. There was no horn, no warning, and no attempt to slow down. One of them clipped my right arm as they passed, leaving me in pain for days.

I figured it was an unfortunate incident and moved on.

Then, on Sunday night, it happened again.

This time, an adult riding an e-scooter on the very same sidewalk slammed into me, sending me to the ground. The impact was serious enough that I ended up in the ER, underwent a CAT scan, and am now facing thousands of dollars in medical bills.

The rider wasn’t wearing a helmet, and like many e-scooter riders, there appears to be no insurance coverage to help cover the damage. Thankfully, witnesses rushed over to help, and the rider also came back after the collision, but the fact remains: a pedestrian walking on a sidewalk ended up in the hospital.

As I lay on the ground waiting for help, one thought kept running through my mind: what if it had been an elderly person? What if it had been a child?

I contacted Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman’s office, not because I was looking to get anyone arrested, but because I wanted to raise awareness before someone else gets hurt.

The EMTs who treated me told me these types of incidents are becoming increasingly common. Whether it’s children racing down sidewalks or adults traveling at high speeds, pedestrians are being placed at risk every day.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t an anti-scooter letter. E-scooters are here, and many people use them responsibly. But somewhere along the way, basic courtesy and common sense seem to have disappeared.

Parents, please speak to your children. Riders, please slow down. Use a horn. Give pedestrians space. Remember that sidewalks are meant for people walking, not for weaving through crowds at full speed.

Today, I’m recovering.

Tomorrow, it could be someone else.

And the next person may not be as fortunate.

— A Forshay Road Resident

The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.