Dockless bikes and scooters have recently become a common way for people in Arlington, Virginia to travel short distances. Managers of a multi-family or commercial property may have noticed the increased presence of dockless devices parked around your building.
Users are allowed to leave scooters or bikes on sidewalks, as long as they don’t obstruct foot traffic or endanger other passersby. But to a building manager, the convergence of these modes may not always be a welcome addition to exterior decor. This is a great opportunity to applaud tenants for exploring transportation options, while simultaneously educating them on the best ways to end a trip.
A Quick Review on Dockless Devices
If the concept of dockless bikes or scooters is unfamiliar to you, here is a brief primer. Dockless bikes and scooters are examples of Shared Mobility Devices or SMDs. The devices are privately owned by companies or service providers that establish agreements with jurisdictions to be allowed to operate their devices.
Users set up accounts through corresponding apps to unlock a bike or scooter, then end the trip through the app and leave the device for the next user. All service providers tell users to be courteous when ending trips and to not block doorways and sidewalks, but sometimes additional guidance is necessary.
Capital Bikeshare differs from dockless modes in that its bikes need to be securely docked in a station in order to end a trip, and may not be left on sidewalks.
Designate Parking for Dockless Options
Typically, users end trips where it’s most convenient, and this is usually near a building’s entrance. Identify where people tend to end trips around your building, and find a spot that would be better for your tenants to leave their bikes or scooters without crowding your doors or blocking walkways.
Let your tenants know that you encourage the use of sustainable transportation, then encourage them to end trips in the area that you have defined as the least obtrusive place to end rides.
Give Arlington County Your Feedback
Right now Arlington County is monitoring usage patterns and other developments in the transportation landscape to see what kind of agreements and policies for dockless providers make the most sense for this area. The County is also open to hearing feedback over the next nine months to learn what concerns or factors need to be taken into account when creating these policies.
Stay a Step Ahead
Arlington Transportation Partners can help you communicate best practices for your tenants to keep your building and outdoor spaces open to all occupants before things get too complicated. Contact your ATP representative for tools and resources customized to your building.
Photo Credit: Reema Desai/ReemaDesai.com for Arlington Transportation Partners
