I wanted to share an update, at least not from Chicago Like a Local but just to share some of the pics I took recently. These were taken this month perhaps not long after seeing that video you saw on this blog most recently.
Who knew that there is a bike rack in front of Harlan High School at 96th/Michigan. And anyone who is done with the scooter actually locked it to the rack. There aren't too many bicyclists up and down Michigan Avenue unlike some of the more pedestrian heavy corridors of the north side or even the Loop. So I'm thinking locking scooters on these racks in front of Harlan would be no big deal.
In front of Harlan High School
Now these other shots are basically no-nos as far as what to do when you're done with these Lime Scooters. As discussed in the Chicago Like a Local video.
Bus stop SW corner 95th/Michigan
According the Chicago Like a Local, the scooters shouldn't be left at a bus stop. I'd prefer this than for them to be left on a sidewalk somewhere. However, I can get that this might be a problem if we're talking about a heavily used bus stop and as a number of CTA bus routes stop here every day this could be a problem here.
On Michigan outside of Abbott Park
One thing Chicago Like a Local specifically states, scooters shouldn't be laid down like this. It needs to be standing up. In this case though it's not necessarily in the way of a pedestrian on a sidewalk. The next photo shows a scooter left laying on a sidewalk.
NW corner 95th/Wabash
In this case though only the handles are on the sidewalk. Regardless I find this a bit careless, though I will allow an able-bodied person could simply go around it. And still these scooters shouldn't just be left somewhere once a user is done with them.
In fact across the street in front of Abbott Park is a Divvy Bike dock. I recognize these Lime scooters aren't compatible with those docks, but that's another good place to leave a scooter once you arrive or are near your intended destination.
Anyone have any thoughts about these scooters? Do you find these scooters a problem when you're on the sidewalks?
Before sharing this video, I had been for the past month or so documenting scooters that have been left on my street overtime. And in my opinion these scooters were left on the sidewalk on my street as an afterthought. Many of these scooters are in the way and are obstacles.
My solution is that these scooters need to be left in designated areas. Such as a bus stop, however, I understand that with these Lime scooters that's not allowed. So what do we do?
Also these scooters are supposed to be locked on bike racks, however, this might be inconvenient to bikers. That's not a "perfect" solution either.
Downtown I witnessed scooters being docked, just like these Divvy Bikes. And there are some of them in the community. Why can't these be placed at these docks?
Thankfully if you're tired of these scooters being left around the community and being in the way of pedestrians, one solution is to call 311.
You can always visit the 311 site here or with your smartphone you can use the 311 app. And using the website and app you can send the city pictures of these scooters that you want removed.
Now with this knowledge this is something I'm taking advantage of to clear the sidewalks of these scooters. Allow me to share the video from Chicago Like a Local on YouTube. [VIDEO]
Allow me to open the floor to you all. If you walk on the sidewalk are you annoyed with these scooters being left on the sidewalks? What would you like to see done about it? Would you prefer that these scooters are left in designated areas.
