HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-22 Public Comment - F. Goodman - Bird ScootersFrom:Fawn Goodman
To:Agenda
Subject:Bird Scooters
Date:Tuesday, October 25, 2022 1:07:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi there,
I'm writing to affirm my opposition to Bird Scooters here in Bozeman. Simply put, they are apublic nuisance. They liter our sidewalks, parks, parking spaces and even our neighborhoods.
Although the company touts that they have employees hired to pick up the scooters regardlessof destination - one was left in front of my house in my neighborhood for 3 weeks before I
ended up putting it my car and taking it to a spot on Main. The company puts the burden ofstoring and managing these devices onto random members of the public and not necessarily
the ones who paid to use them.
These scooters are also extremely dangerous. No one using one is required to wear a helmetand the company does not provide you with one when you rent it. Many who use them are
intoxicated. They are also not designed to go over uneven roads e.g. roads that have rocksfrom nearby construction sites, therefore most people use them on sidewalks which they are
not supposed to do. These devices are neither road ready nor are they appropriate forsidewalks. They are toys not transportation. In the same way hoverboards were banned due to
safety concerns, these scooters have no place in public spaces.
I have also seen people ride double (frequently around downtown) and even let their childrenride them.
Bottom line - we don't allow people to skateboard in the streets or wherever, why are we
allowing these things to proliferate with absolutely no regulation?
thank you,
Fawn GoodmanBozeman resident