LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2022-048 - EXTENSION OF THE DOCKLESS SHARED MICROMOBILTY DEVICE PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH MARCH 1, 2023.
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RECOMMENDATION:
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The City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-048:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA APPROVING EXTENSION OF THE DOCKLESS SHARED MICROMOBILITY DEVICE PILOT PROGRAM; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
On September 12, 2019, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 17-19 to allow and regulate a franchise agreement for the commercial rentals of Micromobility Devices. HB 453 was previously passed and resulted in the following changes that affected local governments:
• The new law references FS 316.008 “powers of authorities” and states that this new law does not prevent local governments from adopting an ordinance that “governs the operation of micromobility devices and motorized scooters on streets, highways, sidewalks, and sidewalk areas.”
• “Motorized scooter” definition was changed to include any vehicle or micromobility device that is powered by a motor and now also includes those having a seat or saddle.
• “Micromobility device” was added under FS 316.003 which creates a specific definition for any motorized transportation device (including motorized scooters) that is rented via an online app and is not capable of traveling at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour.
• Motorized scooters and micromobility devices are not required to be registered as vehicles or maintain insurance.
• Riders on motorized scooters and micromobility devices are not required to have a driver’s license.
• Motorized scooter and micromobility devices are excluded from the definition of “motor vehicle” FS 320.01.
• The new law grants the operators of these micromobility devices all of the same rights and duties of bicycle riders.
Ordinance 17-19 created Chapter 7-9 within the City Code of Ordinances and establishes a 12-month shared micromobility device pilot program for the operation of shared micromobility devices on sidewalks and sidewalk areas within the city limits.
Two vendors (Bird and Veo) were ultimately selected through an RFQ process with the ability to each deploy up to 250 scooters. Once selected as a pilot program participant, the vendor is required to submit a one-time, nonrefundable permit fee of $500.00 and a one-time, nonrefundable fee in the amount of $100.00 per device deployed by the vendor.
Ordinance No. 02-22 was adopted by City Council of February 10, 2022, which amended certain provisions to the original ordinance based on input and needs from the community. Sidewalk riding was prohibited along with implementation of a midnight curfew on weekends. In addition to the amendments, staff has implemented several strategies such as educational campaigns, fines for abandonment, user ID verification, and vehicle IDs.
Since deployment of the electric scooters on July 19, 2021, there have been 95,882 total rides, 227,763 miles ridden, and 68,872 Co2 lbs saved. As of April 1, 2022, there have been eighty-four (84) 311 submittals regarding concerns over scooters. The utilization rate has stayed at or above the industry standard indicating demand for the service. Travel patterns indicate that Jefferson Street is the mostly highly used corridor.
The ordinance and operating agreement are structured as such that the commencement occurred with the approval of Bird’s contract on July 19, 2021, meaning that the pilot program will expire on July 18, 2022, if not extended, or otherwise modified by City Council. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and delay in deployment of the second vendor (VEO), staff recommends extending the pilot program until March 1, 2023. This will enable staff to capture data and work with the micromobility team to review operations during the summer with a full fleet of 500.
PRIOR ACTION:
September 19, 2019 - City Council adopted Ordinance No. 17-19 approving the Dockless Shared Micromobility Pilot Program
February 10, 2022 - City Council adopted Ordinance No. 02-22 amending the Dockless Shared Micromobility Pilot Program
FUNDING:
Budget: $0
Actual: $0
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
5/9/2022
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
David Forte, Deputy City Administrator
Amy Tootle, Director of Public Works and Facilities
Caitlin Cerame, Transportation Planner
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Resolution No. 2022-048
2) Adopted Ordinance No. 02-22
3) Adopted Micromobility Service Area Map
PRESENTATION: Yes end