DDOT Extends to August The Dockless Bikeshare Demonstration Project

From DDOT on Friday:

“The District Department of Transportation today announced it will extend the Dockless Demonstration Project.

The pilot, which began in September 2017, will run through the month of August, allowing DDOT to continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and design dockless bikeshare management policies.

Dockless companies provide a new approach that enables bikeshare and scootershare systems to operate without physical stations. Instead, dockless systems use bikes or scooters that self-lock and can be accessed via smartphone apps. Such technology can expand transportation options in the District, and provide access in areas DDOT has not yet been able to add bikeshare infrastructure.

“Mayor Bowser sees the potential of the new mobility choices that the private sector has been able to bring to the dockless demonstration project,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “This extension is intended to help DDOT determine a sustainable path forward for the program.”

Between now and August, DDOT will continue to work with the participating companies to find remedies to concerns raised by the community during the first few months of the pilot. DDOT will also continue to collect data as we evaluate the impact of the program through the warmer months.

Seven private companies are currently operating in the District. Jump, Spin, ofo and Mobike operate bicycles only. Waybots and Bird operate electric scooters. Limebike has both scooters and bikes.

Dockless companies are allowed a total of 400 vehicles per operator.

Feedback on the demonstration project can be submitted via email to [email protected].”