WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners approved an interim operating agreement for Spin Scooters, a division of Ford Motor Company, yesterday.
Scooter companies Bird and Lime already operate in Bloomington. Economic and Sustainable Development Director Alex Crowley, said the operating agreement is the result of lessons learned from those previous scooter launches.
If Spin Scooters signs the agreement, they will pay a $10,000 annual fee to operate in Bloomington, plus an additional 10 cents per ride.
In addition to setting fees, the operating agreement outlines requirements for scooter parking, conditions and use. Under the agreement, scooters can be used on streets, within bike lanes, and on multi-use paths. They can be used on some sidewalks, but not those designated ‘dismount zones,’ like those found around Bloomington’s Courthouse Square.
The agreement prohibits scooters being parked in a way that impedes normal pedestrian access on sidewalks or accessibility ramps. They cannot block parking meters, fire hydrants, bus shelters, or emergency facilities, and gives the company 72 hours to move an improperly parked scooter. The city can fine the company 50 dollars per day per scooter for those not re-parked within 72 hours.
The same fine applies to improperly staged scooters. The agreement also requires Spin Scooters to provide a 24 hour service line for the public to report safety concerns, complaints or ask questions.
