Councilwoman Jen Campbell on Proposed Scooter Regulations

Editordude: Next week on April 23 the San Diego City Council will take up the proposed regulations on scooters and dockless made by Mayor Faulconer. Here is Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell’s (Second District) comments on next week’s Council vote.

“Since my inauguration in December 2018, few issues have been more ubiquitous in our beach and bay communities than scooters. Whether calls, e-mails or conversations in the community, I have heard loud and clear from constituents about the pros and cons of these micro-mobility options.

In February 2019, the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, a committee that I do not sit on, moved the Mayor’s proposed scooter regulations on to the full council. Now, for the first time since being in office, I will publicly weigh in on this issue when our city’s proposed dockless regulations (scooters, e-bikes, etc.) come to the City Council on April 23rd.

Since the day they were first placed in San Diego, scooters have been both popular and divisive. When used correctly, they are a valuable, low-emission mobility option for a large population of San Diegans.

Yet in our communities we’re seeing speeding, dual-riding, underage use, and parking on sidewalks & handicapped ramps. While only a percentage of riders are making these bad personal decisions, they impact the public perception of micro-mobility.

Currently, with no formal agreement and no accountability, our sidewalks and boardwalks are unsafe and reckless rider behavior leaves a significant strain on our City resources and services.

That’s why, on April 23rd, I plan on bringing up a number of points, including:

• • Safety – for both users and non-users
  • Accountability from companies to ensure safety and best user practices
  • Permit fees paid to the city
  • Remove dockless mobility options from the sidewalks
  • Data sharing between the City and operators

It’s clear that regulations are needed and long overdue. I look forward to weighing in on the new set of regulations on April 23rd.”

Councilmember Jennifer Campbell represents San Diego’s Second Council District including the communities of Bay Ho/Bay Park/Morena, Midway/North Bay, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Point Loma.