Mayor, Police issue statements following moped accidents

By Barbara Taormina

Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe has issued a statement along with an advisory from Revere Police regarding the safe use of motorized scooters and mopeds.

On Tuesday, a woman was hit by a moped as she was getting off of an MBTA bus on American Legion Highway. Police arrived shortly before 4 p.m. and found the woman suffering from a leg injury. She told police she was standing on the sidewalk when she was struck by a moped.

The moped driver initially drove away but returned and identified himself to police. The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment for her injury, and the moped driver received several citations, including one for leaving the scene of an accident that involved personal injury.

Prior to the accident, several residents had complained about riders on motorized scooters riding on sidewalks. And on July 7, an attendant at the Gulf station on Broadway was attacked by a group of scooter riders who stopped for gas.

Keefe released the following statement in response to these and other incidents involving scooters and mopeds:

“This week the Revere Police Department issued an advisory on vehicle and motor safety, which outlines safety measures for mopeds and motorized scooters, and reiterates important rules of the road such as following speed limits, watching for pedestrians, and always wearing a seat belt. Although a simple message, it echoes many concerns I’m hearing in the City of Revere from residents and those in leadership. We must follow the rules of the road to ensure safety in our community. Our pedestrians, residents, and visitors deserve to safely live in the City of Revere without fear of violence.”

The Revere Police issued the following safety advisory:

“Over the last few weeks, there have been multiple instances where motorized scooters and dangerous motor vehicle use has caused safety concerns that have threatened the lives of our residents. When instances like this happen, it calls for a deeper collection of what’s happening in our city and beyond. Our police will not stand down from those who choose to enact violence in our city, and these behaviors will have consequences. The Revere Police Department will continue to work diligently to hold people accountable for their actions. We must make sure we are all doing our part to keep our city safe, and that starts with following the rules of the road and registering vehicles properly. Our city is depending on your attention to this matter, and I urge you all to share the safety advisory with your neighbors.”