Bike-sharing programs returns to Alabama’s largest city
Published 6:14 am Monday, April 19, 2021
Bike-sharing is back in Birmingham.
A new micromobility vendor — Veo — has launched operations in the city, providing shared bikes and scooters to participants downtown and in many neighborhoods, al.com reported.
Chicago-based Veo began operations Friday, replacing Zyp BikeShare, whose contract with the city ended Dec. 31, 2019 after five years. During that time, more than 43,000 users logged 218,000 rides on the green bicycles, for more than 252,000 miles (405,554 kilometers)
Under the new program., individuals may download the Veo app to identify available bikes and scooters and pay for rentals. Users must be at least 19 years old to operate scooters and have a valid driver’s license.
The city’s Department of Transportation has established more than 90 corrals throughout the service area in the city. Veo will deploy up to 500 devices in the first 90 days of operations. Both the number of devices and service area may expand based on an assessment by the Department of Transportation.
Bikes will be available at any time. Scooters, which have a maximum speed of 15 m.p.h., will not be available between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Under the city ordinance, bikes and scooters will not be allowed on sidewalks. Police can write citations for those who ride on sidewalks.
Another vendor, Gotcha powered by Bolt, will begin operations in the city in the coming weeks.