COLUMBUS – In an effort to create some rules of the road for mobility devices such as e-scooters and dockless rental bikes, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is recommending some changes in the traffic code and making some immediate changes that take the scooters off the city’s sidewalks.
The proliferation of the scooters, provide by companies such as Lime and Bird, have created some confusion among riders, pedestrians and police over exactly how and where the devices can be driven.
Scooter Dos and Don’ts
Do understand and follow all traffic laws.
Don’t ride unless you’re at least 16 years old.
Do wear a helmet if you are under 18 years old.
Don’t ride on the sidewalk.
Do watch where you park. Park the device on the sidewalk in a way that does not block pedestrians’ movement in the public space or from entering or exiting a building, bus, etc.
Don’t catch a ride. If the device does not have two seats then you can’t have a passenger. Also – don’t hitch your device to another vehicle.
Don’t ride more than two side by side.
Do use your hands. Don’t carry packages or other items
Don’t go faster than 20 mph.
Do ride only on streets with speed limit equal or less than 35 mph unless in a bike lane or on a shared use path.
-Source: Office of Mayor Andrew Ginther
City Attorney Zach Klein issued guidelines earlier this summer but Ginther says he will bring some proposals to the city council to address issues like where the devices can be operated, such as keeping them on the roadway and not on the sidewalks; what safety precautions riders must take, such as yielding to pedestrians, navigating traffic and bike lanes and following current traffic regulations; and, how the city defines mobility devices now and in the future.
Regulations issued last week covered licensing procedures and rules for the companies.
The legislation will be presented to city council this week but Ginther has directed Public Service Director Jennifer Gallagher to implement limited emergency rules and regulations that direct riders of e-scooters to ride in the roadway and not on the sidewalks.
The proposed legislation and limited emergency rules, coupled with recent rules and regulations that address companies who use the public right of way to rent e-scooters and bikes, are part of a comprehensive look at the fast-emerging industry, Ginther said.