Californian micromobility company Bird is to work with cities across the world to extend its network of geofenced slow-riding zones. Dubbed Community Safety Zones, these new areas will focus on areas of high pedestrian activity, starting with schools.
Bird scooters passing through these new Community Safety Zones will automatically reduce their maximum allowable speed to 13 Km/h and trigger an in-app message explaining the reason for the deceleration. The areas will also be clearly visible on the in-app Bird service map, allowing riders to plan their routes accordingly.
“It is fantastic when companies innovate to support community traffic safety,” said Jenn Fox of campaign group Vision Zero Network. “Community Safety Zones can support localities working to improve safety for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. We’re impressed by the initiative and Bird’s efforts to listen to local communities and respond to community feedback.”
The Community Safety Zones will be piloted in Miami, Marseille and Madrid. Based on the results of these first programs, Bird says it will work with elected officials and community organizations over the coming weeks to implement new geospeed areas across all of Bird’s more than 250 global partner cities, potentially expanding the program to include parks and shopping centres.
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