Interesting New Scooter System to Fly Into Rockford This Summer
Three years after Lime Bikes came and went, the city of Rockford is giving it another go with a different yet kind of similar two-wheeled mode of transportation.
This time, I hope to not see these things floating in the river or hanging from a tree branch like the old Lime Bikes.
City of Rockford Government on Facebook:
Last night, City Council passed a pilot Operating Agreement with Bird Rides, Inc. With the approved agreement, Bird will bring an electronic scooter sharing system to Rockford this summer.
The city did not reveal a launch date for the scooter sharing program but it looks like there will be 100 different rides to choose from.
WHAT THE HECK IS A BIRD SCOOTER?
Ridester says "Like its competitor, Lime, Bird scooters are changing the way people commute. Users can download a smartphone app, input some information, and cruise around the city quickly and efficiently."
WHERE ELSE ARE BIRD SCOOTERS?
Bird Scooters are in nearly 50 different cities across the US and over 100 worldwide.
According to Bird.co, New York City also is using its scooters "to help boost transportation equity."
They also describe their scooters as "an electric vehicle that's second to none" while giving you the ability to "cruise past traffic and cut back on CO2 emissions - one ride at a time."
HOW MUCH ARE BIRD SCOOTERS GOING TO COST THE CITY?
Alderman Chad Tuneberg spoke with 1440 WROK last week and said, "Not a penny of capital from the City of Rockford. This is a pilot program."
HOW MUCH IS GOING TO COST US?
While there hasn't been any official word yet, Ride Share Central says "Bird offers a very straightforward pricing arrangement. There’s an initial $1 fee for each electric scooter rental, and then you’ll pay 15 cents for every minute you use the scooter."
ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS? WHERE CAN WE RIDE A BIRD SCOOTER?
Gotta be 18. Again, 1440 WROK had the scoop. Apparently, there are restrictions "to certain areas of the city, allowed on streets, bike paths, and bike lanes -- but not on sidewalks."
When the Bird scooters finally land in Rockford, will you give it a go?