Shared-rideables in Sacramento have some new rules for the new year.
As of Jan. 15, all shared scooters are required to feature locking devices. (Shared bicycles already were equipped with locks.) With this new equipment, riders are required to lock rented scooters and bicycles to bike racks or to the vehicles themselves in specific drop zones when they are done using them.
“We hear from many folks about shared-rideables not being parked properly and blocking sidewalks and accessible paths of travel,” said Transportation Planning Manager Jennifer Donlon Wyant. “Shared scooters are now required to have locks on them to ensure they are safely out the public right of way. The same goes for shared bicycles. Data from other cities shows this is an effective way to reduce blocked sidewalks.“
Each operator’s lock system is different, so riders should become familiar with the operators’ rules and regulations and how the lock systems work. The City charges operators $15 for each rideable that obstructs an accessible path of travel such as a sidewalk or curb ramp. Operators are required to pass this charge onto riders.
Here are the rules:
- Lock scooters and bikes to bike racks.
- Lock the vehicle to itself in identified drop zones.
- Don’t lock shared-rideables to benches, sign poles, fire hydrants or anything that is not a bike rack.
- Remember: At least 20% of a public bike rack should be left open for people using their own bikes.
Over the past two years, the City has installed 35 drop zones and has more than 7,000 bike-parking spaces. Find a map of bike racks in the city here. Please note that the map is an ongoing data collection effort and is subject to change.
Learn more about the City’s shared-rideable rules and policy here.