[Ohio-Talk] Upcoming scooter re-launch

[Suzanne Turner]

From: Mersmann, Calley <CMersmann at city.cleveland.oh.us> 
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 3:49 PM
To: Dockless Shared Mobility Initiative <Dockless at city.cleveland.oh.us>
Subject: Upcoming scooter re-launch

 

Hi community partners,

 

I hope you are all doing well.

 

I'm writing to let you know that we anticipate to re-launch the shared mobility program (scooters) this weekend under updated legislation passed by City Council on June 3. Program changes include expanded operating hours (5:00am-9:00pm through Labor Day) and an increased maximum speed of 15 mph for e-scooters.

 

The City has also adopted new COVID-19 protocols for shared mobility companies and riders to follow. Companies are required to follow applicable federal, state, and local health guidelines, and will sanitize the devices any time employees interact with them, including for recharging, rebalancing, or maintenance. Riders are encouraged to wash their hands before and after riding, and to wipe down high touch surfaces like the handlebars before riding.

 

Over the course of the summer, we will be conducting additional surveys and data collection to continue to improve the program, with a special focus on reducing sidewalk riding and including parking behavior. Thanks to the advocacy of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, we will also be working with the shared mobility companies to increase information accessibility for people with visual impairments.

 

I will be back in touch with you later this week with an updated FAQ, company contact sheet, and a link to online City resources to share with your networks in advance of the re-launch. Below are also some basic safety reminders that we want to promote as much as possible. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

 

Best,

Calley Mersmann

Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator

City Planning Commission

Cleveland City Hall

601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 501

Cleveland, Ohio  44114

Phone (216) 664-2952

cmersmann at city.cleveland.oh.us <mailto:cmersmann at city.cleveland.oh.us> 

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS

As a scooter or bike rider, key things to remember include:

·       Ride in the street. Scooter and bike riders should ride in the street with the flow of traffic, following traffic rules and using bike lanes where possible.

·       Be visible. Never assume a driver sees you. Ride at least three feet from the curb so you are in the line of sight of other road users.

·       Be predictable. Follow all traffic laws, including stopping when the traffic light is red. Avoid weaving and riding erratically.

·       Park responsibly. Don’t block the sidewalk, bus stops, doorways, fire hydrants, or driveways.

·       Don't get stranded. Under the new expanded operating hours, scooters will deactivate between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Keep this in mind when planning your rides.

·       Ride smart. Don't carry objects that keep you from controlling the scooter or bike. Don't be distracted or ride with headphones. Don't drink and ride. Don't ride more than one person per device.

·       Wear a helmet. Permitted vendors are required to give you a free helmet upon request.

 

Motor vehicle drivers should keep the following in mind:

·       Share the road. People riding scooters and bikes are allowed on the road.

·       Don't drive distracted. Be alert and watch out for slower moving road users like people on scooters and bikes.

·       Pass safely. Ohio law requires motorists passing scooters and bikes to leave at least three feet between the motor vehicle and the rider. Where possible, change lanes to pass.

·       Look before you leave. When you park on the street, check your blind spot to make sure you will not hit a scooter or bike rider when you open your door.

·       Be patient. Everyone on the road wants to get where they are going quickly and safely.​