North Carolina

North Carolina city gets scooters off streets to review laws

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Officials in North Carolina city have ordered a fleet of scooters off of its streets for now so they can revise ordinances to accommodate them.

[Councilman worried about dockless scooter safety: 'Someone will die']

The News & Record of Greensboro reports city officials last week asked Bird Rides Inc. to remove the scooters after they were found lying on sidewalks, impeding foot traffic or being used in bike lanes, where motorized vehicles are prohibited.

The scooters have become popular around the state since they were introduced in the summer. City staff members told the Greensboro City Council in October that Bird dropped off 100 scooters around town in August and eventually distributed at least 450 scooters.

City spokesman Jake Keys said city officials will likely present an ordinance for the city council to consider at its Nov. 20 meeting.

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In downtown Raleigh, a child not old enough to drive was caught riding an e-scooter and was hit by a car.

Witnesses said the boy looked to be about 10 or 11 years old.

They said he ignored a stop sign and rode into traffic.

[Statistics reveal spike in scooter-related injuries in major cities]

Drivers said they are fed up with riders ignoring traffic laws.

"Every day, when I drive up and down the street, I say it's only a matter of time I feel like before I accidentally hit somebody on a scooter because they'll just ride out in front of you," driver Amy Kirkhum said.

E-scooters rolled out in Raleigh earlier this year and the city has already reported 25 crashes involving the scooters.

Channel 9 has covered several accidents and safety concerns with the scooters. A pilot program allowing scooter rentals in Charlotte expired last week, but they're still out on the streets.

[Cam Newton spotted helmetless on scooter in uptown traffic before MNF]

City leaders have not decided on rules to regulate them and may wait for the state to create them.

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Associated Press

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