Reducing reliance on single occupant motor vehicles for transportation is a clear City goal with policies established in the Climate Action Plan and Comprehensive Plan. Nearly half of the car trips made in the U.S. are less than three miles in length. The use of “shared micro mobility devices” (fleets of small vehicles such as bicycles, e-scooters, etc.), can help replace short car trips and also help assist with the ‘last mile’ of transport to and from transit stops. Additionally, the Economic Development Chapter and Strategic Action Plan support a positive business climate, encouraging new businesses and supporting a growing tourism industry.
Jurisdictions throughout the country (including Spokane, Everett, Tacoma and Seattle locally) have approved, either permanently or on a short-term basis, the use of shared micro mobility devices. E-scooters are rapidly becoming the most popular deployment option for these businesses due to the ease of use, cost and maintenance. The City is moving forward with developing an e-scooter pilot program based on best practices learned from other communities. A year-long pilot program is expected to launch Spring 2020.
Resources
Contacts
E-Scooter Share Pilot Contact
Darby Cowles, Senior Planner
Phone: (360) 778-8389
Email: dkcowles@cob.org
