The Bird Scooters in Nashville Will Not Die

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Does everyone remember when Nashville tried to make Bird scooters a thing? ‘Cause I definitely remember that week.

Then, someone was run over while using one, and people were re-thinking this whole ‘electric scooters in a city that is notorious for terrible traffic and outdated infrastructure.’ But, rest easy, those of you who are advocating for these scooters for some reason. It looks like they’re trying to make a comeback.

Courtesy of WMC Action News:

The relationship started rocky for a scooter company and Music City, but they’re giving it another try to give people more options to get around.

Don’t delete the Bird app just yet.

The company agreed to pull the scooters earlier this month because of issues with illegal parking and riding, but now they’re working with Metro on re-entry.

“The user is not slowing down for the pedestrian; the user is not getting off the vehicle and is not getting off the sidewalk,” said Erica Hafkenschiel with the Mayor’s Office.

Yeah all of that stuff. Users aren’t slowing down for pedestrians, they’re not getting off the vehicle, not getting off the sidewalk. Basically, they aren’t going where they are supposed to…like….AT ALL….with this thing….but you know what….let’s reconsider using them.

This time around there will be clear rules and regulations and placement of scooters and e-bikes based on real data.

“Hopefully it will give people more options and it’s going to help us advocate and build support for more safe streets,” said Nora Kern with Walk Bike Nashville.

The year-long pilot program still needs to be approved by Metro Council, but the city anticipates Birds and other scooters being back on the streets by mid-august.

One of the biggest kinks that still need to be ironed out is how Metro will handle scooters on sidewalks.

It’s technically illegal, but some argue bike infrastructure in Nashville is sub-par and some riders don’t feel safe riding on the streets.

Okay, that’s how desperate people in this city are for some sort of alternate transportation. That’s an indicator of how bad things have gotten.

I don’t get the whole scooter thing. Don’t think I’d be caught dead on one of those things. It’s just too risky for me. You’re basically either in the open road, exposed and vulnerable to the traffic. Or, you’re scooting down a crowded Nashville sidewalk. Also, hey – technically, it’s not even fuckin’ legal!

No thanks. I’d rather walk.

But, hey – if this is your thing, and you don’t mind potentially run over, then you do you. This is definitely good news for that segment of Nashvillians.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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