On Monday, April 15, the City of Greensboro announced that it has issued an operator permit to Bird Rides Inc., a company that will offer electric scooters and bikes for rent inside the city limits of Greensboro.
The electric scooters and bikes have already been deployed in downtown Greensboro and on the campus of UNC-Greensboro and the surrounding area.
City officials are calling this an “eco-friendly transportation option.”
The vehicles can be rented through Bird’s free smartphone application.
Safety has been a concern in the past in Greensboro as well as in other places when it comes to these type of vehicles and, Bird recommends riders wear a helmet when riding a Bird e-scooter or e-bike.
Also, you must be an adult to ride and you’re required to use parking areas that are designated in the app when you reach their destination.
There are other rules and regulations that apply as well.
There’s also a phone line that doubles as a help line and a complaint line: Residents can report issues – from maintenance to improper parking – directly through the Bird app, by emailing Bird at greensboro311@bird.co – or by calling the company at 1-866-205-2442.
Greensboro Transportation Director Hanna Cockburn said the E-Scooters and E-Bikes should make getting around the city a lot easier for those who need simple quick transportation.
“The City of Greensboro is committed to providing residents safe, seamless, and equitable transportation choices,” Cockburn said. “Shared-used scooters and bikes give residents more options to get to work, school, and play. This partnership with Bird is just one more way we are making Greensboro a car-optional city.”
One goal of the offering is to make Greensboro “more livable” by reducing traffic and pollution.
Austin Marshburn, the head of city and university partnerships for Bird, said. “We applaud the City of Greensboro for its commitment to offering convenient, environmentally-friendly, and reliable transportation options to residents and visitors.”
Bird offers pricing specials that allow discounts for low-income riders.
I just got over seeing these haphazardly thrown all over the city, now THEY’RE BACK!
Lol…equitable transportation. That’s a new one!
Will this put a strain on Emergency Personel? Think about the total lack of traffic enforcement in the City of Greensboro.
How about electric rickshaws where privileged folks can haul low-income riders around for free?
I’d like Ms Cockburn to give some more detail as to how equity gets involved in renting a bicycle.
I don’t think there are enough casual bikers to support such a business.