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Press Release: Bird Scooters Come to Freeport

For further information: If a resident has questions or concerns about the e-scooters the company can be reached directly at 1-866-205-2442 or hello@bird.co. More information about the company can be found on their website (www.bird.co) and on their blog (www.bird.co/blog).

BIRD LANDS IN FREEPORT

The City of Freeport is partnering with shared electric scooter company, Bird Rides, to bring e-scooters to the city. Bird is a naturally social distanced way to get around. The scooters are available through a mobile phone application and riders pay to use the scooter per minute, at no cost to the city.

Mayor Jodi Miller stated: “We are happy to welcome Bird to the City of Freeport and look forward to having the scooters available.  I think they will make a great addition to our community.”

The company plans on offering scooters to residents and visitors in order to help reduce carbon emissions, as well as traffic congestion on roadways.  The scooters also provide a safe way to get around during the pandemic and offer residents without automobiles another transportation option.

The electric scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15mph.  Scooters must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never blocking driveways. Riders are required to be 18 years-old and above to access the scooters. They are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and required to obey all standard rules of the road.

“Scooters make for a useful way to bridge the gap between public transportation and a person’s home or work.  More transportation options can bring a lot of benefit to the city,” said City Manager Randy Bukas.

Bird offers the following programs that are available for all who qualify:

  • Community Pricing – Bird’s Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. It’s designed to be the most inclusive micro mobility discount program available anywhere. To sign up for the Community Pricing Program, download the Bird app, create an account, and email your proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
  • Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel – Bird is proud to offer free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, simply email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible riders will receive two free 30-minute rides per day for as long as it takes to help our communities to recover from this global health crisis.
  • Free Helmets to All Active Users – Bird will send a free helmet to active users at their request, you just need to cover shipping costs. Bird is committed to Vision Zero, a global movement to make mobility safer, healthier and more equitable for everyone on the road.

 

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