News: Electric Scooter Program Comes to NT!
North Tonawanda and Bird, a leader in environmentally friendly electric transportation, are bringing shared e-scooters to North Tonawanda. This new transportation option can be activated through Bird’s free mobile phone application and used to replace gas-powered car trips when going to the store, meeting up with friends, exploring the community and taking many other daily trips within City limits for riders age 18 and up.
“North Tonawanda is excited to be a part of this fun new way for residents and visitors to zip around town and explore our beautiful city. We hope everyone will enjoy these scooters and have a safe ride!”, said Mayor Austin Tylec.
Austin Marshburn, Head of City and University Partnerships at Bird, said: “We applaud the City of North Tonawanda for their commitment to offering convenient, environmentally friendly and reliable transportation options to residents and visitors.”
Bird is proud to offer a number of features and benefits to riders in North Tonawanda. Some of which include:
Community Pricing: Bird’s inclusive Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans and senior citizens. Those who qualify can sign up by downloading the Bird app, creating an account, and emailing proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel: To recognize the individuals whose work continues to be so crucial to the health and safety of our communities, Bird offers free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. Those who qualify can sign up by emailing a copy of their medical identification card, name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible riders receive two free 30-minute rides per day.
Community Mode: Bird values community input. Anyone with a Bird account can report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the in-app Bird map. When a report is submitted, someone is assigned to correct the issue.
With a standard ride rate of $1 to start and 49 cents per minute, it is an affordable way to get around town. The scooters will be available starting October 1st until the weather no longer permits and after a short hibernation, you can look for them again in the spring. Use the free app to locate a scooter and let the fun begin!
About Bird
Bird is an electric vehicle company dedicated to bringing affordable, environmentally friendly transportation solutions such as e-scooters and e-bikes to communities across the world. Founded in 2017 by transportation pioneer Travis VanderZanden, Bird is rapidly expanding. Today, it provides fleets of shared micro electric vehicles to riders in more than 350 cities globally and makes its products available for purchase at www.bird.co and via leading retailers and distribution partners. Bird partners closely with the cities in which it operates to provide a reliable and affordable transportation option for people who live and work there.
KEY NOTES:
--$1 to start, $0.49/minute
--Sign up through the Bird app
--Scooters will only be available until the winter weather becomes inclement--snow etc. and then reappear in the spring. There will most likely be a limited number of scooters (15-20) until it catches on and then it may go as high as 75, usage dependent.
--The App outlines how riders should not ride on sidewalks, instead using streets and paths while following all traffic laws.
--All scooters have a GPS app and will be disabled the moment they are driven outside the City borders.
Report a Problem
There are several ways to report a problem. If you experience a problem with the ride, including a mechanical or technical issue, use the community mode on the mobile app to file a report. If you see a scooter that is poorly located, such as blocking the sidewalk, email the City of North Tonawanda support email below or call the 24/7 support line to have the problem resolved. If the scooter is involved in an emergency situation, such as a crash, call 911.
· Mobile App - Community Mode: In the bottom left corner of the bird mobile app, click on the community mode icon and file a report. This sends an immediate action alert to the Operations team.
· City of North Tonawanda Support Email: hello@bird.co
· Call 24/7 Support Line: +1 (866) 205-2442
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Where can scooters be parked?
Users should park the scooter anywhere on the sidewalk in the "furniture zone," as long as they don't block access for others. The furniture zone is the area between the curb and the walkway where there may already be trash receptacles, bus stops, benches, and bike racks. Parked devices should not block:
- the pedestrian walkway (leave at least 6' of space)
- bus stops and shelters
- doorways and emergency exits
- fire hydrants and standpipes
- driveways and sidewalk ramps
Where are people supposed to ride scooters?
Scooters should be ridden in the street, following all traffic rules. Use bike lanes when possible. Do not ride on the sidewalk.
There is a scooter parked in the wrong place. What should I do?
Contact Bird. The best way to have the scooter addressed is to report the specific location and problem to the City of North Tonawanda Support Email, hello@bird.co. This email goes directly to Bird. Additionally, there is a 24/7 support line that can be used to report the problem - +1 (866) 205-2442
How should I drive my car when there are people on scooter on the road with me?
Share the road. People riding scooters are allowed on the road. While they will likely use bike lanes when available, scooter riders can be in the middle of the travel lane to be visible and to avoid road hazards. Slow down and drive with caution.
Drivers may pass people on scooters if they leave at least three feet between the motor vehicle and the rider. This is state law. Where possible, change lanes to pass. You may cross a double yellow line to pass as long as you safely yield to oncoming traffic. Make sure you are safely ahead of the rider before merging back into the right lane. If there is not room to pass safely, follow behind at a safe distance until you can pass.