Wheeling Police Remind Users of Bird Scooter Safety | News, Sports, Jobs

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The Metropolis of Wheeling not too long ago launched a brand new approach for folks to get across the metropolis – Chook electrical motorized scooters that riders entry and buy rides for by way of a smartphone app. They’re most notably discovered downtown and in Centre Market.

The Wheeling Police Division on Monday supplied site visitors and security reminders for these eager to make the most of the brand new choice.

Scooter customers have to be ages 18 or older, they usually should experience on the street, on Heritage Path or in a motorcycle lane. Scooters should not permitted on sidewalks or the interstate. Just one individual can experience on a scooter, and helmets are additionally really helpful, however not required.

Customers ought to park the scooter wherever on the sidewalk within the “furnishings zone” — the realm between the curb and the walkway the place there might already be trash receptacles, bus stops, benches, and bike racks — so long as they don’t block entry for others.

Parked units mustn’t block:

– pedestrian walkways (go away no less than 6 ft of area)

– bus stops and shelters

– doorways and emergency exits

– hearth hydrants and standpipes

– driveways and sidewalk ramps

Wheeling Police additionally remind all vacationers that each scooter customers and vehicular site visitors should share the street. Individuals using scooters are allowed on the street. Whereas they’ll probably use trails or bike lanes when out there, scooter riders will be in the midst of the journey lane to be seen and to keep away from street hazards. Decelerate and drive with warning.

Drivers might cross folks on scooters in the event that they go away no less than three ft between the motorized vehicle and the rider. That is state legislation. Drivers ought to change lanes to cross wherever doable. They could cross a double yellow line to cross so long as they safely yield to oncoming site visitors.

Drivers should make certain to be safely forward of the scooter rider earlier than merging again into the precise lane. If there isn’t a room to cross safely, they have to comply with behind at a secure distance till in a position to cross.

If a scooter is parked within the fallacious place, one ought to contact Chook straight. One of the simplest ways to have the scooter addressed is to report the precise location and drawback to the Chook help line at 866-205-2442, or by way of the smartphone Chook app. For extra data, go to wheelingwv.gov/motorizedscooter or www.hen.co.