Impact
WARD: Citywide
COMMITTEE: Public Safety
$ IMPACT: 0
Title
Approval to amend the City of Smyrna Code of Ordinances, Chapter 98 by adding section 98-41 regulating storage and use of Shareable Mobility Devices on Public right-of-way.
Body
ISSUE: Shareable powered mobility devices, electric scooters and bicycles, available to be rented on demand from unstaffed locations, have suddenly and unexpectedly appeared in cities throughout the country, and have rapidly proliferated in an unregulated environment; and these privately-owned devices are frequently stored on publicly owned rights-of-way without the consent of the local government jurisdiction. As they are not secured to a bike rack or other infrastructure, dockless electric scooters and bicycles are frequently abandoned by users on streets, sidewalks and other public places creating safety concerns, especially for vulnerable pedestrians; and the City has a substantial interest in regulating how private operators of Shareable Mobility Devices operate on the public rights-of-way to promote public safety, and to ensure the public right-of-way remains free of obstructions and hazardous operations; and for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the City Council has decided to proactively address the hazards posed by Shareable Powered Mobility Devices, electric scooters and bicycles being of specific public safety concern, operated on public rights of way and placed in and operated on public property.
BACKGROUND: Due to the unexpected and sudden popularity of shareable mobility devices and the risk of injuries associated with said devices, it has become necessary that the City of Smyrna take steps to address associated issues.
RECOMMENDATION/REQUESTED ACTION: The Police Chief and staff recommend adoption of the ordinance.