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Bird is working with cities to extend its network of geofenced slow-riding zones.
Dubbed Community Safety Zones, these new areas will go a step further than currently required speed zones, focusing on additional centres of high pedestrian activity starting with schools.
Bird scooters passing through these new Community Safety Zones will automatically reduce their maximum allowable speed to 8mph/ 13kph and trigger an in-app message explaining the reason for the deceleration. The areas will also be clearly visible on the in-app Bird service map, allowing riders to plan their routes accordingly.
“It is fantastic when companies innovate to support community traffic safety,” said Jenn Fox of the Vision Zero Network. “Community Safety Zones can support localities working to improve safety for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. We’re impressed by the initiative and Bird’s efforts to listen to local communities and respond to community feedback.”
The new Community Safety Zones will be piloted in Miami, Marseille and Madrid. Based on the results of these first programnes, Bird will work with elected officials and community organiaations over the coming weeks to implement new geospeed areas across all of its 250+ global partner cities, potentially expanding the programme to include parks and shopping centres.
Bird’s new Community Safety Zones highlight a key benefit offered by micromobility services: their ability to self-enforce speed and parking restrictions.
“Micromobility is an evolving industry,” said Fox. “As cities work to integrate this popular personal transportation mode, we should also make use of safety features. Bird’s Safe Start and Community Safety Zones are an example of technology initiatives that can support safe systems, respond to community concerns and solve mobility challenges at the same time.”
