Scooter and Bike Share
Services
Shared mobility devices are a new
transportation option where devices like bikes, electric bikes, and electric
scooters are shared among users. They are typically enabled by technology or a
mobile app, and emerging services are frequently run by private companies.
Providing more low-emission mobility options can create a more diverse,
convenient, and accessible transportation network that would reduce emissions
and congestion, and improve the quality of life in the city. However, like with
all new technologies, shared mobility devices can also pose significant
challenges with regard to appropriately managing the public-right-of-way
(PROW), encouraging public safety, and adapting old regulations to new business
types.
To expand the diversity of
transportation options in Santa Monica, and address the challenges introduced
by new technologies, the Santa Monica City Council approved a 16-month Shared
Mobility Pilot Program at its June 12, 2018 meeting. The pilot began on September
17, 2018, allowing four private companies (Bird, Jump, Lime, and Lyft) to
provide shared mobility services in the public-right-of-way. The program will
enable the City to:
- Develop a new area of
policy, regulation, and enforcement through firsthand experience
- Move quickly to adapt to
a rapidly changing industry, but leave room to learn and adjust as appropriate
- Test new device and
service providers in a growing industry
- Explore partnership
models with private companies
- Explore possibilities
for data capture, structures, and utilization
- Allow the City time to
experiment with different management tools like “Geo-fencing” and creation of shared
mobility device drop zones
In order to be able to
provide flexibility and quickly adapt to changing environments and industries
the Pilot Program will be facilitated through Administrative Regulations. The
Administrative Regulations are subject to amendment during the Pilot Program as
the City works with Operators to make data-driven decisions to deliver a safe
transportation option and define effective solutions to known and identified
challenges as the process evolves.
Shared Mobility Pilot Administrative Regulations: updated September 25, 2018
Fleet Size Adjustments
There are no Fleet Size
Adjustments proposed at this time.
Shared Mobility FAQ
How do I sign-up to
use Shared Mobility devices?
Currently the City’s Breeze Bike Share and
Metro Bike Share are offered in the City of Santa Monica. To get rolling
visit Breezebikeshare.com or Metro.bikeshare.net. The City selected Bird, Jump, Lime and Lyft to participate in
the Shared Mobility Pilot Program. To sign up to use those systems visit their
websites or mobile application on your smart phone.
How do I get a Shared
Mobility device?
Information about where shared mobility
devices are available and how to find them is available on each system’s mobile
app and/or website. Information about how to check out and return devices is
typically provided on the devices, or on the app and/or website as well. Visit
those resources for instructions particular to each system. Breeze bike share
information is available also on the Transit and CityMapper apps.
What are the rules for riding shared mobility devices?
Rules for Riding
|
Electric Scooters
|
Bike Share Bikes: Human powered or electric
|
Required valid driver’s license or instruction permit
|
Yes
|
No
|
Age to ride
|
16 yrs.
|
16 yrs.
|
Age for required helmet
|
All Ages (effective 1/1/19, only if under 18)
|
18 yrs.
|
One person per device
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Riding on the Sidewalk
|
Prohibited
|
Prohibited
|
Riding on 3rd Street Promenade, Pier Bridge, Ocean Front Walk, and Beach Bike Path.
|
Prohibited
|
Prohibited
|
Must be ridden in bike lanes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Must obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Where to park shared
mobility devices?
The best place to park shared mobility devices
is in the “furniture zone” or the section of the sidewalk between the curb
and the pedestrian through zone where street furniture, lighting, benches, utility poles, tree pits, and bicycle racks
live. Never leave a device blocking sidewalks, curb ramps, ADA access,
doorways, and the congested areas like the beach bike path.
Furniture Zone. Source: NACTO
What if a shared
mobility device is causing an obstruction or a hazard?
If a device is causing an obstruction or
hazard, or parked on your property do one of the following:
Call the Company: Call or email the company directly to
ask them to come remove the device. The company’s contact information should be
prominently displayed on the device and are listed below.
Bird: (866) 205-2442
Jump: (877) 781-4009
Lime: (888) 546-3345
Lyft: (877) 452-6699
Have the Device
Removed: Devices that are
left in the public right of way (e.g. sidewalk, crosswalk, street, curb) in a
manner that presents an immediate hazard are subject to impound (an example of
an immediate hazard is a device blocking a disability ramp). If a device is
impounded a fee of $95 per device will be assessed to the operator to
retrieve the device. If you would like to report a device, contact the City’s
Public works department at: Public Works Inspection, Sr. PW
Inspector Ramon Gutierrez (424) 744-0825
What should I do if I
was involved in a collision or altercation and I want to file a report?
If you are involved in a collision or
altercation contact the Santa Monica Police Department: 310-458-8491. If
it is an emergency call 9-1-1.
How do I report a
broken device?
If you encounter a broken device, contact the
company directly to request removal of the device. The company’s contact
information should be prominently be displayed on the device. If the broken
device is causing an obstruction or hazard contact the City’s Public works
department at: Public Works Inspection, Sr. PW Inspector Ramon
Gutierrez (424)744-0825
If you have any questions
about the Shared Mobility rules or pilot program contact the Mobility Division
in the Department of Planning and Community Development at: kyle.kozar@smgov.net and (310)458-8341.
Application and Selection Process
The Shared Mobility Pilot Program participating operators were selected through a selection process established in Chapter 3.21 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. Click here for more information.