HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-22 Public Comment - C. Herrick - Bird ScootersFrom:Crowell H
To:Agenda
Subject:Bird Scooters
Date:Wednesday, October 26, 2022 10:59:06 AM
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I'd like to comment on the Bird scooters that litter Bozeman. I live 4 blocks off Main St on the
north side and have seen a great deal of them and how they are used (abused). I have neverliked them since they first appeared in the city. I am opposed to the city renewing a permit for
them for the following reasons.
1 - They are not being used for the intended use as a commuter vehicle. I see them zoomingaround my neighborhood by individuals who are out for a joyride. They run through
intersections without caution, don't ride on the correct side of the street and also ride on thesidewalks (in my neighborhood as well as downtown).
2 - Many times I've seen them being operated by kids under the allowable age (16) with no
adult supervision.
3 - I've seen 2 individuals riding on one scooter which is against their policy.
4 - I live across the street from Beall Park and have seen groups of either underage individualsor adults riding recklessly around the park grounds jumping curbs and the berms.
5 - The scooters are left in the middle of sidewalks and often times they aren't picked up for
days. I believe they are supposed to be collected daily.
6 - I cannot confirm this but since many of the scooter pick up locations are downtown andgiven the riding behavior I would venture to guess some operators are intoxicated. It's a
wonder there hasn't been a fatality or serious injury accident related to a scooter. I recentlyread a college football player from San Jose State University (CA) was killed when he rode a
scooter into an intersection and hit by a school bus, at 0845 in the morning.
I'm sure Bird has an "iron clad" legal document the operators acknowledge reviewing beforeoperating a scooter but we all know they don't. All it does is push the liability to the operator.
Bird has no interest in how the scooters are being used and their impact on the community solong as they are making money.
Again, do not permit Bird (or any other similar company) scooters in Bozeman.
Thank you.
Crowell Herrick
401 N. Black AveBozeman