CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland announced Monday that e-scooters and other shared mobility devices will be back on the streets as soon as this weekend, following the legislation passed by Cleveland City Council on June 3.
With the reintroduction of shared mobility devices in Cleveland, the city has implemented COVID-19 protocols for the companies of the devices as well as riders.
The city of Cleveland is requiring that shared mobility devices be sanitized by company employees anytime they are recharged, rebalanced and taken for maintenance. Riders are encouraged to wash their hands before and after use and asked to wipe down high touch surfaces, such as the handlebars, before use.
Permit renewals are expected to be issued to Bird, Lime, Spin and Wheels and the relaunch of the UHBikes program, now called HOPR, is also expected soon, the city said.
The city of Cleveland shared the following safety tips for using shared mobility devices, as well as motorists commuting in areas where shared mobility devices are utilized:
As a scooter or bike rider, key things to remember include:
- Ride in the street. Scooter and bike riders should ride in the street with the flow of traffic, following traffic rules and using bike lanes where possible.
- Be visible. Never assume a driver sees you. Ride at least three feet from the curb so you are in the line of sight of other road users.
- Be predictable. Follow all traffic laws, including stopping when the traffic light is red. Avoid weaving and riding erratically.
- Park responsibly. Don’t block the sidewalk, bus stops, doorways, fire hydrants, or driveways.
- Don't get stranded. Under the new expanded operating hours, scooters will deactivate between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Keep this in mind when planning your rides.
- Ride smart. Don't carry objects that keep you from controlling the scooter or bike. Don't be distracted or ride with headphones. Don't drink and ride. Don't ride more than one person per device.
- Wear a helmet. Permitted vendors are required to give you a free helmet upon request.
Motor vehicle drivers should keep the following in mind:
- Share the road. People riding scooters and bikes are allowed on the road.
- Don't drive distracted. Be alert and watch out for slower moving road users like people on scooters and bikes.
- Pass safely. Ohio law requires motorists passing scooters and bikes to leave at least three feet between the motor vehicle and the rider. Where possible, change lanes to pass.
- Look before you leave. When you park on the street, check your blind spot to make sure you will not hit a scooter or bike rider when you open your door.
- Be patient. Everyone on the road wants to get where they are going quickly and safely.
