Lime Scooters To Return July 1
Brian Coddington, 509.625.6740
Monday, June 29, 2020 at 5:13 p.m.
Spokane’s WheelShare program is returning to the streets of Spokane on Wednesday, July 1, providing affordable, safe and sustainable transportation options. Lime scooters will be deployed initially with bikes to follow approximately two weeks later.
“Lime scooters and bikes have proven to be an asset for the community and will provide an additional option for transportation for residents, workers and visitors,” says Mayor Nadine Woodward.
“We are proud to be returning to the streets of Spokane, having served the Lilac City for nearly two years. Lime bikes and scooters will play a key role in helping Spokane residents and visitors get around in a safe and socially distant manner as our communities recover from a difficult pandemic,” says Jonathan Hopkins, Lime Government Affairs for Pacific Northwest & Canada.
As part of the relaunch, Lime is taking various steps to keep communities safe, including:
- Enhanced cleaning methods and increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting scooters and bikes. All parts of the scooters and bikes that are touched by people are cleaned using products recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Center for Biocide Chemistries list and approved by the EPA for use against the coronavirus. The most recent guidance from the CDC is that "the primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through close contact from person-to-person," and that surface transmission is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
- Lime offices and warehouses are distributing hand sanitizer, masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees. All mechanics and operators in the field are required to wear gloves and wash their hands regularly.
- Lime is following the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), federal agencies, and other global health organizations to collect the most up-to-the-minute information to ensure the protection operations are comprehensive and expedient. Based on this information, Lime will work with the City and local health officials to decide to continue, pause, or suspend operations if deemed necessary.
Additionally, Lime provides in-app reminders of health and safety best practices, including:
- Take precautions
Inspect the scooter or bike to make sure the wheels, brakes, throttle, lights, and frame are all in good working condition.
- Hands
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol-based when you arrive at your final destination. Wear gloves when you can.
- Ride solo
Maintain a distance of at least six feet from others for safety and social distancing.
- Pay attention
Look for bike lanes and be aware of traffic lights, signs and remain alert for road and safety hazards.
- Enjoy Responsibly
Be respectful of other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and fellow scooter riders, and always wear a helmet.
Spokane’s WheelShare program, operated by Lime, was launched as a pilot program in 2018 and ran from May to November in 2019. Last year, the City and Lime worked together with local partners to support public safety while providing new transportation options for getting around Spokane. In 2019 riders logged 643,000 miles and 581,000 individual trips on the shared bicycles and scooters.
