MEDFORD, Ore. — The city of Medford had a meeting on Thursday, November 17 about possibly extending the Bird Ride program.
The program started on November 18, 2021. After going over data showing a high usage of the scooters, the city decided to extend the agreement for another year.
Planning Director, Matt Brinkley said the number of people using the scooters can benefit the city.
“They’re kind of a fun recreational thing we have found,” said Brinkley. “So, that is probably what most people are using them for.”
Some people are also using scooters as a form of transportation.
“Public transportation isn’t gonna get you to your doorstep,” said Brinkley. “It’s not going to get you to the front door of where you work. So it’s providing you know, another kind of mode of transportation that someone can use.”
Within the past year, there have been 21,068 total rides and 28,152 total miles traveled on Bird scooters.
Brinkley said after looking at the numbers, the city is interested in having a permanent agreement with Bird Rides.
“We’re a big enough city that people can use them to get around,” said Brinkley. “And they’re effective for that purpose and then you know, we also have fun stuff to do.”
