BIG RAPIDS — After receiving several complaints from residents regarding the Bird scooters, Big Rapids officials began looking into ways to alleviate some of the concerns.
City manager Mark Gifford reported to the city commission the steps that have been taken to address some of the issues during a meeting this week.
“There is an ongoing dialogue that I and city staff have had with those that operate the Bird scooters,” Gifford said. “We had a rash of complaints, and we have done some things to try to deal with those, which I think, for the most part, have been successful.”
Some of the complaints being fielded by city staff and public safety personnel included young children riding without adult supervision; scooters being left on sidewalks and in roadways; adults riding under the influence, riding erratically and not following road rules; discarded scooters creating a hinderance for disabled residents; and scooters going too fast on sidewalks, the Riverwalk and the White Pine Trail.
Bird Scooter spokesperson Natalie Sawyer previously told the Pioneer they are working with city staff and local operational partners to implement new strategies to address the concerns brought forward.
To address the issue of underage riders, Bird has implemented ID verification technology.
“In theory, riders are supposed to be 18 years old to ride the scooters,” Gifford said. “At first you just had to check a box and there was no verification. Now you have to enter a driver’s license, and that seems to have made a difference in determining the legitimacy of the age of the rider.”
They are committed to deterring underage riding and will do so through education as well as preventative technology, Sawyer said.
GPS technology also allows Bird to monitor where its scooters are located at all times and to create customized zones that regulate speed, she said.
To address the issue of excessive speeds, Gifford said by using Bird’s geo-fencing technology, they have implemented the ability to reduce the speeds on the Riverwalk, White Pine Trail and the downtown area.
“Since these changes were made, about a month ago, the number of complaints we have received, both at city hall and with public safety, have been greatly reduced,” Gifford said. “We are continuing to address the issue of the scooters being left in various locations, although those complaints are now fewer and farther between.”
“I think we are working toward finding that sweet spot for their (the scooters) home in Big Rapids,” he said. “We will continue to work with Bird Scooter and keep the commission and the public informed.”
Several board members expressed their appreciation for the effort made by the city staff to address the concerns of the residents.
Commissioner Jennifer Cochran, who had voiced citizen’s concerns at a previous board meeting, said she appreciates the attention given to the issues by city staff and Bird Scooter personnel.
“I would like to thank Mr. Gifford and the Bird Scooter people for addressing the concerns of the citizens of this town, and I look forward to a good relationship with them going forward,” Cochran said. “I appreciate their attention to this.”
Mayor Tom Hogenson added that he appreciated the city staff working with the company to address the concerns, saying, “It obviously has made an impact.”
"bird" - Google News
July 22, 2021 at 05:10PM
https://ift.tt/2V91fTC
Big Rapids officials address issues with Bird scooters - The Pioneer
"bird" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2s1zYEq
https://ift.tt/3dbExxU
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Big Rapids officials address issues with Bird scooters - The Pioneer"
Post a Comment