Bird Global, Inc., will extend its service in Washington, D.C., following the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) extending the company's permit through June 30, 2022 to ensure continued access to Bird’s fleet of micro electric vehicles for residents, commuters and visitors.
“Bird’s mission is to reduce reliance on gas-powered vehicles and we applaud the District’s leadership in recognizing the role micro electric vehicles can and should continue to play in doing so,” said Sam Cooper, director of government partnerships at Bird. “We’re proud to operate in our nation’s capital and to help the District meet its ambitious climate action and transportation equity goals. We look forward to continuing to serve D.C. residents and visitors with a fun, safe and affordable transportation option proven to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.”
In Washington, D.C, Bird's shared e-scooters are more than an eco-friendly means of transportation, they serve as a connector throughout the community by connecting people to organizations, public transit and educational or economic opportunities. For example, the company recently partnered with the Latin American Youth Center to provide free daily rides, helmets and safety information to ambassadors conducting door-to-door vaccine education and outreach.
Bird also collaborated with the District to identify gaps in the existing bike infrastructure — which led to a recommendation of seven investment opportunities for future protected bike lanes — and launched scooter “drop zones” to better fill the gap between public transit and a rider’s origin or destination.
Bird first landed in Washington, D.C., in 2018. Throughout its partnership and collaboration with the DDOT and extended community, Bird has launched a number of community-oriented programs as well as introduced safety innovations designed to increase road safety across the District.
Examples include:
- Beginner Mode - Great for new riders or those who just want to cruise, this feature offers a gentle acceleration mode that helps riders feel comfortable and build confidence.
- Community Mode - Community Mode allows anyone with a Bird account to report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area. When a report is submitted, a member of the Bird team is assigned to correct the issue.
- Ramp Champ - Developed in consultation with the DC Office of Disability Rights, Ramp Champ is a safety campaign intended to ensure that micromobility works for everyone in the community.
- Park(ing) Day - Bird helped to transform a parking space at 1055 5th Street NW that provided a dedicated structure for the community to gather, along with a free helmet giveaway and an opportunity to meet members of the local Bird team.
