Updated Nov. 25, 2019
The City Council is taking another look at dockless mobility (primarily scooters) and may put new regulations in place in response to comments from residents.
The draft recommendations, which are available in full at alexandriava.gov/Scooters, will be presented to the Alexandria City Council on Nov. 26, and a public hearing is scheduled for the Saturday, Dec. 14 City Council Meeting (9:30 a.m. at City Hall).
Alexandria officials are considering implementing a Phase II Pilot Program that will run through December 2020 with some changes, stricter requirements, more limitations on sidewalk usage and speed limits for street usage.
A Dockless Mobility Evaluation Report released by the City earlier this month revealed five key findings. According to the report:
- Scooters have provided increased access and mobility in Alexandria.
- Scooters are a new form of mobility and safe riding is a concern.
- Improper scooter parking can disrupt the pedestrian right of way and impede ADA access.
- Scooters could improve transportation equity but new policy is needed.
- The program recouped costs but modifications to management will minimize City financial and staff resources.
Changes implemented during the first phase of the pilot program have helped — there are fewer scooters along the waterfront thanks to geofencing and more people are using the available parking corrals. But a conflict between state and local regulations meant enforcing 'no sidewalk rules' was nearly impossible.
The new regulations for the second-phase pilot program may include limiting scooters on sidewalks in select areas of Old Town to get around the legal conflict, limited speed limits to 15 mph on streets, and allowing city officials to prohibit scooters on soft surface trails and individual public parks by sign.
In addition, operating companies will be required to stage scooters in parking corrals if one is available on the block. City officials are also looking at ways to ensure scooters are distributed more equitably throughout Alexandria.
Residents are invited to email dockless.mobility@alexandriava.gov with feedback on the draft recommendations and other scooter usage opinions. More details are available at alexandriava.gov/Scooters.
