For the third year in a row, the City of Green Bay and Bird, a leader in environmentally friendly electric transportation, are teaming up to bring shared e-scooters and e-bikes back to the city. The eco-friendly transportation option can be activated through Bird’s free mobile phone application and used to replace gas-powered car trips when going to the store, meeting up with friends, exploring the community and taking many other daily trips.
Mayor Eric Genrich said, “We are happy to welcome back Bird scooters and e-bikes to the City of Green Bay. I know the bikes and scooters will be great options for our residents as they go about their daily lives. Cities are strongest when they are well-connected with a variety of modes of transportation, and I’m excited to include Bird scooters and e-bikes on the list here in Green Bay.”
Bird aims to make cities more livable by reducing car trips, traffic, and carbon emissions. The e-scooters and e-bikes also provide a fun and effective way to get around Green Bay while offering residents without cars another transportation option.
“Bird is excited to be working with Green Bay once again to offer convenient, environmentally friendly and reliable transportation options to residents and visitors,” said Austin Marshburn, Head of City and University Partnerships at Bird
The scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15mph (and as low as 12 mph is some areas). The e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20mph. Both vehicles are equipped with GPS technology to ensure riders are within the designated operating area. Scooters and e-bikes must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never blocking driveways or building access. Riders must be 18-years-old and above to access the vehicles. Riders are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and are required to obey all standard rules of the road. Scooters and e-bikes should be used like a pedal bike would, yielding right-of-way accordingly.
Bird offers the following programs that are available for all who qualify:
- Community Pricing: Bird’s inclusive Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans and senior citizens. Those who qualify can sign up by downloading the Bird app, creating an account and emailing proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
- Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel: To recognize the individuals whose work continues to be so crucial to the health and safety of our communities, Bird offers free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. Those who qualify can sign up by emailing a copy of their medical identification card, name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible riders receive two free 30-minute rides per day.
- Community Mode: Bird values community input. Anyone with a Bird account can report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the in-app Bird map. When a report is submitted, someone is assigned to correct the issue.
If a resident has questions or concerns about the e-scooters, Bird can be reached directly at 1-866-205-2442 or GB311@bird.co. More information about the company can be found on their website (www.bird.co) and on their blog (www.bird.co/blog).
Contact:
Stephanie Hummel
AICP, Planner II
stephanie.hummel@greenbaywi.gov
920-448-3424