EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – The recent introduction of Bird electric scooters in Downtown Eau Claire has sparked a mix of opinions among residents since their arrival in early September.
Local resident Casey Wilder noted the appeal of the scooters, stating, “They look pretty nice. I was thinking of getting my friends to take some.” However, not everyone shares her enthusiasm. Eli Metcalf expressed indifference, saying, “They’re haunting every corner. I see them all over the place.”
The city council approved an ordinance in April 2021 allowing private companies to operate e-scooters in Eau Claire. City Council President Emily Berge has received emails regarding potential safety concerns but reports that the rollout has proceeded smoothly. Many residents echo this sentiment, though some remain cautious about possible issues, particularly related to parking.
Matthew Poon remarked, “Sometimes I walk around here and wonder if someone has misplaced them.” Kelsey McCluski echoed his concerns, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring of scooter locations: “There’s gotta be somebody to collect them and track them down.”
On a positive note, Debbie Brott shared her experience: “They’ve been leaving them on the side of the sidewalks, so people can get through. It’s not been a problem at all.” Berge added, “Last I heard, there have been no scooters in the river. So, hopefully we can keep that going.”
Another concern is the risk of intoxicated riders. Metcalf highlighted the difficulty of regulating who uses the scooters, particularly during busy nightlife hours on Water Street. Berge noted that this has led to increased attention from local police, especially during bar closing times.
To address safety, e-scooters are programmed to limit speeds to 5 mph on Water Street during overnight hours. Additionally, riders are prohibited from using scooters on sidewalks in pedestrian zones, such as Barstow Street, where signs instruct users to “walk your wheels.”
WEAU reached out to Eau Claire Police for comments on enforcement and was directed to the City Attorney’s Office.
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