For their part, in Atlanta city officials have taken the lead with emergency regulations to respond to the increasing safety hazards posed by e-scooters. As these devices have become a popular mode of transportation, particularly along the BeltLine, authorities are taking steps to minimize accidents and ensure the safety of all users. Atlanta continues to find ways to thrive in a constantly evolving micro-mobility industry. By limiting hours of operation and improving infrastructure as well, the city hopes to better protect its residents and visitors.
In Atlanta, the BeltLine — a hugely important and popular pedestrian and cyclist corridor — has quickly become a major e-scooter user hub. Along with this surge in interest goes an alarming spike in the number of crashes caused by dangerous ebike riding. In response to this alarming problem, the city is taking big steps to decrease accidents and improve safety.
Limiting Operating Hours for Safety
One of the first and most common strategies used by Atlanta and other cities is limiting e-scooter hours of operation. In an effort to address safety concerns, city officials have restricted when these devices can be rented, especially late at night. We need to stop crashes from impaired cyclists. These riders tend to be less cautious and experienced while e-scooter riding.
By removing e-scooters late at night, officials hope to reduce dangerous riding and prevent injuries. This measure addresses the risks to human safety as a priority. One, it demonstrates the administration’s commitment to being agile and innovative with regulations as transportation trends continue to change radically. Reducing how much time these devices can be used is considered a “better safe than sorry” strategy to protect people from the dangers of micro-mobility.
Adapting City Infrastructure
Micro-mobility has taken off in cities around the world. Major cities, such as Atlanta, need to modify their infrastructure to meet this new demand. Through its large, multi-use trail, greenspace, and transit network, the BeltLine is bringing together dozens of communities. Consequently, it has grown into one of the most popular destinations for e-scooter ridership. Often, it’s not designed to accommodate the increased demand from micro-mobility participants.
To forge an equitable future about this challenge, city planners are seizing the opportunity to increase infrastructure improvements across the BeltLine. This means widening paths, better wayfinding, and adding dedicated lanes for bikes, scooters, and other new modes. In taking this action, Atlanta hopes to set the stage for a safer city for people walking and rolling on foot, bicycle, or e-scooter.
Moreover, public outreach to teach users how to ride safely should be a vital part of these initiatives. Most e-scooter riders, especially tourists and new riders, will be unaccustomed to using personal portable devices safely. By promoting awareness campaigns and providing clear guidelines, the city hopes to reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by reckless riding.
The Role of E-Scooter Companies
New entrants like Bird, Lime, and Spin have focused their attention on the spread of e-scooters across Atlanta like wildfire. Collectively, these companies have deployed thousands of devices, helping spur the trend toward the increasing popularity and use of micro-mobility solutions. With all this new presence, accountability accompanies it and demands that we keep users safe.
E-scooter companies are working with city officials to introduce new safety measures or work towards satisfying new city regulations. This starts by regularly maintaining their fleets, so all devices are working and in good working condition. Companies are focusing their efforts on educating users, encouraging riders to adopt safe riding practices.
The increase in e-scooter crashes has led companies to further collaborate with city officials to alleviate safety issues. Through coordination of their work with regulatory requirements, these companies are helping to ensure a safer environment for everybody using the BeltLine.
