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South Park Ambassadors are deployed at hot spots throughout the district stopping riders on sidewalks and informing them of the basic rules of the road: not to ride on sidewalks or with two people on one scooter; pointing them toward the nearest bike lanes; and informing them of the $197 tickets being written by LAPD for sidewalk riding infractions. Ambassadors are also equipped with helmets donated by Bird and Lime to give to riders with safety concerns.
South Park is currently welcoming thousands of new residents, new businesses, convention goers, and visitors to STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE. With 39 current development projects, the neighborhood’s current residential population of 12,000 is expected to reach 30,000 by 2023. “Multi-modal transit options are crucial to the continued growth of the neighborhood. Scooters are an effective and popular option for short trips, and a great alternative for restaurants and retail adapting to reduced parking in South Park. For the adoption of any new transit option to be safe and successful, there needs to be well-thought out regulations, adequate enforcement, and a robust education campaign.” says Ellen Riotto, Executive Director of SPBID.
The BID is taking an active role in the implementation of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s (LADOT) one-year dockless mobility pilot. Staff provided feedback on draft rules and the City’s education campaign, identified potential scooter hubs, and hosted a Town Hall with scooter operators and the public. The Scooter Education program builds on these successes by bringing education directly to riders. During the program’s first three months, SPBID Ambassadors stopped 491 riders on the sidewalks, and gave out 81 free helmets.
LADOT’s one-year dockless mobility pilot is scheduled to end in early April, at which point the City will evaluate the future of dockless e-scooters and bikes. “Bird is thrilled to have partnered with the South Park BID in a localized and targeted safety campaign by providing helmets and educational literature that promote responsible riding and the rules of the road. The organization’s deep roots in the neighborhood have been key to safely and responsibly integrating shared e-scooters into the existing streetscape” says Tim Harter, Senior Manager of Government Partnerships, Southern California at Bird.
South Park’s Scooter Education stops currently take place three days a week, during times of day with the highest number of infractions. The program will continue for the duration of the LADOT pilot. For information on LADOT’s dockless mobility pilot, visit ladot.io/programs/dockless.
About South Park Business Improvement District
The South Park Business Improvement District (BID) is managed by the South Park Stakeholders Group, a coalition of residents, property owners, and business who are deeply committed to the ongoing improvement of the district. Since 2005, the South Park BID has worked to make South Park safer, cleaner and more vibrant for the people who live, work and visit South Park. For more information, email info@southpark.la or visit www.southpark.la
