Bike Share Program Proposed for Jacksonville

[fieldafm]

I don't know the details of VeoRide's proposal, so let's assume it was the best. However, I am familiar with one of the more well-known micromobility company's proposal, a proposal that was not selected by JTA. That proposal focused on dockless electric scooter and electric-assisted pedal bikes. They would have had a set number of units deployed within 90 days of a signed agreement (and would have adjusted the amount of vehicles in circulation as demand grew/receded, etc), did not need any financial assistance from JTA/COJ, were willing to work with public agencies on various strategies to avoid the negative effects of dockless vehicle clutter, and would have paid a portion of revenues to JTA.

My understanding is that COJ did not want dockless bikes/scooters along sidewalks, and that was the deal killer. JTA's request specifically wanted docked stations at Skyway stops (presumably so they didn't need COJ's signoff). Not sure if the conversation with COJ ever explored alternatives, like designated dockless parking spots (see below).





I think this is another instance of agencies working in silos. An RFP was put out by one agency. That RFP elicited responses from many well-qualified companies. After the conclusion of the bidding process, said agency then tried to get approval from other public agencies who didn't want the system in the first place, and found a reason to say no. 

I fully understand the frustrating malaise than can occur when (proverbially) navigating the waters where several slow-moving ships that are not eager to veer off their traditional routes, try passing themselves in a narrow channel... but it seems like the entire process could have been handled better at the start, and potential concerns could have been addressed before an RFP was ever issued.


That's my view from 2,000 feet as someone that was a little more connected to this process than a standard armchair quarterback.

As expected, with the passage of Councilwoman Cumber's ordinance, dockless mobility options are now on the streets of DT Jax.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2021/03/04/creating-buzz-electric-scooters-rev-up-in-downtown-jacksonville/

[Tacachale]

About damn time!

[marcuscnelson]

Interesting, so it's like docked but without the actual docks? I'm assuming the apps must be able to prevent you from ending your ride unless the scooter is parked within the parking zone? And that the scooters will refuse to leave the project area?

I had a chance to use the Skip/Helbiz scooters when I was last in DC before the pandemic, but there weren't parking zones and I don't think I ever left the area for there to be issues. It seems like it would be easy to be at JRTC and want to head north but hit the wall.

Logistics aside, I think it's a nice little improvement to have, especially if they're able to effectively control them like this. It's no "game changer" but it's definitely a QOL bump for mobility. Now if we can just start chipping at the larger structural challenges…

[jaxlongtimer]

Forget BRT, Skyway, cars, bikes or walking.  Let's use scooters!

City trying out 400 of them from 4 different services for a year but they do cost to rent.  I just want to know how safe is it on one of these on a city street in traffic?  Especially when Jax drivers are not used to looking for them and we already have a terrible track record hitting pedestrians and bicyclists?  Maybe it would be a good idea to have a dedicated transit way for these.

https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/downtown-jacksonville-gets-400-electric-scooters/4T32WNCHF5CTFEWWY7GQJMWZZY/

[BridgeTroll]

Never see me on one... isn't Jax one of the least safe place for cyclists and pedestrians? Death and dismemberment downtown...

[thelakelander]

As of now, they are only downtown in the Northbank.  For those who have visited the Northbank recently, one would know that you can pitch a tent on most of the streets in the middle of rush hour and not worry about getting hit by a car. It's likely the safest place in town to try them out.

[Zac T]

I rode one yesterday. It was fun and didn't feel too much different than riding a bicycle on the street except you look like more of an idiot

[blizz01]

Are these in Gainesville too?

[WAJAS]

I think these have been good additions in Miami and Orlando when I experienced them. It'll take a bit for people to become used to the parking requirements and other rules, but it tends to work out. I hope they expand it into Brooklyn, Riverside, and San Marco soon, then I would probably use it.

They're really useful as a first/last-mile service for people without their own bikes or scooters.

[tufsu1]

One was left across the street from my home today - blocks from the nearest of the 35 dockless hubs. This is pretty normal for these systems. Curious to see how long it takes for the company (or another user) to move it.

[bl8jaxnative]

Forget BRT, Skyway, cars, bikes or walking.  Let's use scooters!

City trying out 400 of them from 4 different services for a year but they do cost to rent.  I just want to know how safe is it on one of these on a city street in traffic?  Especially when Jax drivers are not used to looking for them and we already have a terrible track record hitting pedestrians and bicyclists?  Maybe it would be a good idea to have a dedicated transit way for these.

https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/downtown-jacksonville-gets-400-electric-scooters/4T32WNCHF5CTFEWWY7GQJMWZZY/

Jacksonville, like other cities, really needs to build some bikeways. 

As much as I hate to say it, they would be a better place for the GD scooters.

[thelakelander]

Shared use paths and bikeways are coming! Stay tuned!

[Ken_FSU]

As of now, they are only downtown in the Northbank.  For those who have visited the Northbank recently, one would know that you can pitch a tent on most of the streets in the middle of rush hour and not worry about getting hit by a car. It's likely the safest place in town to try them out.

In the last two weeks, I've only seen one near miss.

Lady going full speed in the wrong direction down Duval Street.

Blew straight through the red light and into the middle of Main, which can be like a runway if the lights are all green.

Legit covered my eyes, but she got lucky.

Otherwise, haven't seen anything too dicey.

What I have seen, however, are a surprising number of people coming downtown just to ride the scooters. Was in the office last weekend and counted probably 30 or 40 people (families and millenials) on the streets riding. Might not sound like much, but compared to what a weekend on the Northbank usually looks like, it was a very positive change.

[jaxlongtimer]

^ Interestingly, whenever I have been on a Caribbean cruise, the cruise staff almost always advises passengers during their travel talks about ports of call to NOT rent motor bikes/scooters due to how dangerous they are in traffic.  I am not convinced Jax drivers are much better than our Caribbean brethren.  Will be interesting to see the reaction when the first person gets seriously injured (or worse).

[thelakelander]

What I have seen, however, are a surprising number of people coming downtown just to ride the scooters. Was in the office last weekend and counted probably 30 or 40 people (families and millenials) on the streets riding. Might not sound like much, but compared to what a weekend on the Northbank usually looks like, it was a very positive change.

I noticed this in Uptown Charlotte a year or two ago. They attracted their own crowd of people on the weekends.