HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-22 Public Comment - K. Klundt - BIRD ScootersFrom:Karman Klundt
To:Agenda
Subject:BIRD Scooters
Date:Tuesday, October 25, 2022 11:38:21 AM
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Dear Bozeman Transportation Advisory Board:
I live in a neighborhood about 3.5 miles from downtown Bozeman. I personally have had BIRD
scooters left laying on the sidewalk in front of my home and witnessed them "thrown" into the
park space at the entrance to our neighborhood only to be left for days/weeks. I've also
personally had to step into the street in some areas of downtown Bozeman to go around the
BIRD scooters parked/littered on public sidewalks.
I do NOT believe these scooters should be allowed in the City of Bozeman. These are too
large, fast and bulky to be allowed on or near areas where pedestrian traffic has the
potential to collide with the typical inexperienced scooter user (tourist, bar patrons, etc.) not
wearing any protective gear (helmet) with limited ability to slow/react to changing
environments. The physical fact of standing on a scooter that can reach high speeds also puts
the rider themselves in danger - would the City of Bozeman be held liable for potential injuries
due to lack of posted rules/laws/expectations of the use of these? I'm surprised the City has
not been sued by disability advocates for these scooters littering access to certain businesses.
I understand the need for flexibility in transportation but there are already a number of
alternatives available in the City - Streamline subsidized by our tax dollars allows for free bus
rides and granted this might not always be as flexible it's available. Uber/Lyft are also plentiful
in Bozeman and now there is the potential that you can submit your receipts to receive that
free ride when you need it.
Please remove this hazard to the public.
Thank you,
Karman Klundt
4896 Vine Street
Bozeman, MT 59718