Slow Zone Pilot Program

The City is launching a slow zone for dockless scooters and e-bikes and would like the public’s feedback on this pilot program. Beginning February 21 and running through May 21, the City will institute a slow zone that limits the speed of dockless scooters and e-bikes used in the Robinson Landing neighborhood of Old Town. Slow zones are designated areas with top speeds that are below the established City limit of 15 mph; they are often used to improve street and sidewalk safety along heavily trafficked corridors.

Evaluating the use of dockless slow zones to address conflicts between riders and pedestrians in high-activity areas was one of the recommendations in the 2019 evaluation report for Alexandria’s Dockless Mobility program.

The pilot slow zone will have an 8 mile-per-hour speed limit on neighborhood streets, Point Lumley Park, and the nearby pedestrian walkway and promenade. GPS technology will be used to enforce the speed limits.

Alexandria residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to provide feedback through Sunday, May 21, the final day of the pilot. City staff will review the responses and consider them in determining the next steps for the Robinson Landing slow zones and the suitability of slow zones in other locations in Alexandria.

Phase II Pilot Program

During the 2019 Phase I Dockless Pilot Program, the City worked through challenges and made some adjustments to better manage the program. From January to December 2019, there were around 286,000 scooter trips made in Alexandria. However, issues such as improper parking, unsafe riding, and reporting are challenges that require additional regulation and oversight. In order for the City to continue to (and more strictly) regulate scooter companies and riders, a Phase II Pilot Program with additional recommendations was approved and completed. Key changes from the first pilot included: 

• More equitable distribution of scooters across the City
• A ban on riding scooters on any sidewalk in the City
• Establishment of an Ad-Hoc Scooter Task-Force
• Stricter requirements of scooter companies including data sharing requirements and increased permit fees
• Installation of additional parking corrals

Materials from the City Council meeting that provide more details on the Staff-proposed changes can be viewed here. The Dockless Mobility Pilot Evaluation Report summarizes key findings and draft recommendations from the 2019 Pilot findings and data.

The purpose of the Phase II Pilot was to evaluate changes made from Phase I, engage with the community, determine whether the City should have a permanent program, and identify the most appropriate permitting or procurement process for such a program. 

City Council approved a resolution to extend the Phase II Pilot through 2021 to allow for more outreach and community engagement. The 2020 MOU was amended to authorize the extension of the pilot and required operators to meet the requirements of the terms of the 2020 MOU in 2021. 

Permits for operation in 2021 were issued to Lime, Bird, Helbiz, and Link. The permitting process for 2022 is underway. All operators are required to sign the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding, which described the City's requirements and expectations.