HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformation Update.201911261
AGENDA
INFORMATION UPDATE
November 26, 2019
4:00 PM,
I.INFORMATION UPDATE
I.A.Dockless Mobility Outreach
1
MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor and City Council
FROM:John Krueger and Lynn Rumbaugh, Transportation Department
THROUGH:Scott Miller, Director Public Works
Trish Aragon, PE, City Engineer
MEETING DATE:November 26, 2019
RE:Information Only: Dockless Mobility Outreach
BACKGROUND
Staff from a number of departments met with City Council in June of 2019 to discuss possible
approaches to dockless mobility. At that time, Council directed staff to pause any encroachment
licensing for the dockless industry and undertake a public outreach effort to gather community
sentiment around these programs. Further, staff was directed to return to Council in 2020 with
community feedback as well as options for comprehensive management of dockless mobility.
This informational memo is an update on outreach efforts.
For the purposes of this memo, dockless mobility is defined as systems of electric (or manual)
bicycles and/or scooters that are available for short-term rentals. These devices may be locked
and unlocked using a smartphone app without the requirement of a bicycle rack, storefront or
other docking station.
The need to gather community feedback and develop an approach to dockless mobility arose
from:
In 2018, Aspen City Council approved the Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP), a document
guiding Transportation Department activities over the next ten years. This plan includes
creating a clear set of expectations for the management of dockless mobility.
2
In 2018, City Council, as part of the SHIFT effort, declined entering into a contract with
Lyft that included the launch of dockless bicycles and scooters to Aspen.
A dockless bike and scooter Ordinance is listed in the 2019 Organizational Work Plan as
a “should do” item.
A number of bike and scooter vendors, including both docked and dockless models, have
indicated an interest in launching locally.
DISCUSSION:
Staff determined that the busy summer months did not lend themselves to outreach, therefore
scheduling work for the fall and winter of 2019. Initial efforts have included the development of
a stakeholder list, creation of an Aspen Community Voice web page and crafting of survey tools.
The first dockless mobility focus groups were held in early October with representatives from the
bike shop/rental industry. Those unable to attend were offered individual meetings with staff.
Focus group outreach will continue through November with a number of stakeholders including
but not limited to:
RFTA
ACRA
CCLC
Next Gen
Public Safety
WE-cycle
Pitkin County Open Space and Trails
Pedestrian and Bike Safety Committee
Aspen Institute Community Forum on Transportation & Mobility
An Aspen Community Voice page, including a survey tool, was launched in early November and
remains live. Two public open houses scheduled for December 4 will finalize the outreach effort.
NEXT STEPS:
In winter of 2020, staff will return to Council with a synopsis of public feedback as well as
options for dockless mobility management.
3