A Look at Scooter Accident Statistics as Bellingham Considers Shared E-Scooter Program
E-bikes and E-scooters have exploded in use since 2017, with more and more people using them as an alternative to cars, Uber rides/taxis, walking and public transit. Several metropolitan cities around the country – including Seattle – have approved programs that allow people to share bikes and other types of transportation for a fee; with pick up and drop off sites set up around the city. As reported by the Bellingham Herald, Bellingham is considering changing its laws on electric bikes and motorized scooters and skateboards in order to allow a trial program for shared e-scooters and other types of “micro-mobility” devices by spring 2020. As Bellingham works to update city codes to include uniform rules for a broader range of alternate transportation, a Western Washington University spokesperson indicates their commitment to updating on-campus rules to ensure uniformity with the city. Still, there are issues to be worked out; Councilman Terry Bornemann, for example, is concerned about safety if e-scooters are allowed to share sidewalks with pedestrians.
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