Bloomington officials might have a solution to the recent scooter-related injuries and inconveniences. The resolution involves signing an interim operating agreement with both the Bird and Lime companies. Now that city officials have had some time to observe the new transportation method, they have reached a one-year operating agreement with the two scooter companies to regulate the scooter use.
The need for action followed the increase of scooter-related accidents, injuries and arrests across the town.
When hundreds of scooters were dropped off in town last summer, it was sudden. Riders were left with few rules on their treatment, and the city of Bloomington had no prior arrangement with the scooter companies. That appeared to change on Wednesday, November 14 when both companies signed on some new terms.
Now that they have had some time to observe the new transportation method, city officials have reached a one-year operating agreement with the two scooter companies to regulate the scooter use and their guidelines. The agreement, which is similar to the one with Pace bicycles, requires the companies to pay the city to operate in Bloomington. Bird and Lime will pay the city an annual fee of $10,000, as well as 10 cents per scooter ride in the city. The companies can also face a fine of $50 if scooters are not properly placed.
The revenue from the scooters will go toward city enforcement and infrastructure maintenance related to the scooters.
Another part of the agreement specifies where the scooters can be parked and used. Geographic parameters were established. They indicate the spots with the most pedestrian traffic. These areas include the sidewalks on Kirkwood Avenue and around the courthouse. Signs stating: “Walk all bikes, skateboards and scooters” will be installed to inform the riders when it is time to dismount. But until the signs are installed, riders need to look to the ground for clues. Stenciled signs on the sidewalks will indicate where to walk rather than ride the scooters. This new rule will be enforced by the Bloomington parking enforcement staff.
This interim agreement also gives the city access to valuable information regarding the companies’ data and the scooters’ usage. This information will tell city officials where transportation is needed most, and help hold the scooter companies accountable for educating the public on safe usage.
“We are encouraged by both Lime’s and Bird’s willingness to collaborate with us to ensure that this alternative is integrated into Bloomington’s transportation network with the highest concern for the particular needs of our city and our residents,” said Mayor John Hamilton in a news release earlier this month. “We welcome folks’ continued engagement on issues of safety and accessibility as they relate to e-scooter use in Bloomington.”