ABILENE, TX – The Bird scooters are permitted for use within the city since mid-May 2022. For the safety of the community, the Abilene Police Department wants downtown operators of the scooters, drivers, and citizens to be aware of the City Ordinance and Transportation Code governing the use of the scooters.
The City of Abilene Code of Ordinances Chapter 23 deals specifically with Scooter and Bicycle Sharing. The following reference in part comes from this chapter: (City of Abilene Code of Ordinance may be viewed online at www.abilenetx.gov)
Sec. 23-7 Home zones: designates that - Vendors shall not operate a scooter or bicycle share service in areas of the City not designated as a home zone. This zone is designated as the downtown area of Abilene.
Sec. 23-8 Operation of scooters and bicycles permitted in accordance with this chapter. This section outlines the proper operation, storage, and general decorum of the scooters by patrons and the owners.
Sec. 23-8 (m) “Every person riding a bicycle or scooter upon the streets of the City shall be subject to provisions of all laws and ordinances applicable to the operator of any other vehicle, except those provisions of laws and ordinances which, by their very nature, can have no application; provided, however, it shall not be unlawful to ride a bicycle or scooter on a public sidewalk.”
Sec. 23-9 Criminal offense. Operators not in compliance with the City Code may receive a Class C citation.
The ultimate goal is for the safe use of the equipment and compliance with the ordinance. We welcome the scooters as a resource for travel, as long as usage is in accordance with our City Ordinance and State Transportation code.
Respectfully,
Rick Tomlin
Public Information Coordinator