my notes from the June 2nd BAC meeting
Cynthia Palmer
Virtual Meeting Monday, June 2, 2025, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Participants:
Elwyn Gonzalez, David Ansell, Noreen Hannigan, David Moskovitz, Aaron Schuetz, Cynthia Palmer, Eliot FB, Eric Goodman, Judah dal Cais, Steve Offutt, Austin Spademan, Mary Dallao, Erika Duthely (Lime), Wendy Klancher, Pamela Van Hine (PAC), Randy Swart, Lindsay Gutierrez (Bird), K. Mike Hanna, Leslie Tierstein, Collier Cook, Megan Jones
NOTES
7:00 – 7:10 pm - Welcome from the Chair and Introductions
Cynthia Palmer, BAC Chair
Participants introduced themselves and answered the following: Do you use micromobility devices from Lime, Bird, Spin, or other companies? Please elaborate.
Many participants said they had little or no experience using micromobility devices, as they usually travel on their own bicycles. Some people (including presenter David Moskovitz) said they use micromobility devices when visiting a new place on vacation.
7:10 – 8:10 pm Micromobility Update – Lime and Bird/Spin David Moskovitz, Shared Mobility Specialist, MetroBike
Summary: David discussed recent upgrades to micromobility devices operating in Arlington County. Staff from Lime and Bird/Spin then presented updates to the Committee and answered questions.
David talked about the history of micromobility in Arlington starting with a pilot in 2018/2019. Initially there were a dozen different vendors, but bringing that number down to 2 or 3 seems to work better.
He said use dropped off initially during the pandemic but then people realized it’s a great way to travel and avoid close interaction with people (vs. public transit). The level of use is very dependent on the weather but popularity has been growing every year.
In 2025 there are 1600 scooters and 505 ebikes in Arlington. (Last year the numbers were higher, but they have been “right-sizing” the program.)
The max speed on the bikes is 20 mph and the minimum age is 16 (with parental consent) and otherwise age 18. The max speed on the scooters is 15 mph, or on the sidewalk 6, with a minimum age of 18.
The devices can be parked anywhere (no lock-to requirement) but preferably in the 135+ parking corrals throughout Arlington. We can suggest more locations. Residents sometimes fight against the corrals because of vehicular parking priorities. Twenty scooters fit in a single parking spot.
The scooters from the different companies are roughly similar. The ebikes have some variations, like smaller 20” wheels.
There is a 72 hour rule that bikes/scooters cannot remain more than 72 hours in any location. This is a work in progress. There are some jurisdictional challenges e.g. on Gravelly Point, but one can report to the 311 App and simply specify the location.
Another issue is penalizing or incentivizing behavior change, and the roles of the county and the companies. Again, a work in progress.
The users are mostly local to Arlington… 87 percent. And 60 percent of the rides are to do something local, spending $35 on average. Most users have a car but choose to use micromobility instead.
They’ve found that many people who would not ride a bike are willing to use a scooter.
Safety has improved, both in US and in Europe.
Regarding efforts to reduce underage riding, they’ve got
They are also exploring technology solutions on a larger scale and across markets.
Tandem riding is another concern.
They are working to “capture” the conclusion of trips, requiring users to take a picture when the trip is finalized and the bike is parked in a proper location. Payment would extend until this last step is taken in a legitimate parking location.
Demographics of use: mostly younger riders, roughly 60-40 male to female ratio… it’s more male on the bikes.
Spin can no longer be used in DC.
Devices stop working half-way across the bridges. It would be nice if people could at least finish crossing. Or if devices didn’t get on the bridges at all. But there are challenges since Spin and Lime can’t detect the difference between on-bridge use and under-bridge trails.
There will be free trial rides/demos at the County Fair.
8:10 – 8:40 pm Arlington’s Transportation Future – MTP Mike Hanna, BAC Member
Summary: Mike provided an update to the Committee regarding progress from the most recent Advisory Group meeting for the ongoing MTP update. He solicited feedback from members regarding priority bikeway routes.
Dana has submitted comments to staff on
Mike presented on the current version of the goals.
8:40 – 8:55pm BAC Membership -- Elwyn Gonzalez, Transportation Planner, DES
Summary: Elwyn updated the Committee regarding the membership appointment process for current and prospective members. The conversation included ways in which the County can invite new members from diverse backgrounds. Formal appointment letters will be drafted for consideration by the County Manager.
BAC has 10 current members.
Charter calls for a minimum of 15
Several people have been actively participating for years and deserve priority.
It would also be great to have students again if they are interested, though scheduling and longer-term availability are often issues.
We welcome as diverse a membership as possible.
There are ways the County could get the word out across Arlington to try and expand membership.
One of DES’s justifications for not interacting with the PAC and BAC advisory committees (that are meant to advise Arlington on road safety) is that DES states we are not representative of Arlington County.
8:55 pm – 9:00 pm BAC Business and Announcements
• Langston Boulevard Multimodal Intersection Study public meeting on Wednesday, June 4th: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Events/Virtual-Public-Meeting-Langston-Boulevard-Areas-2-3-Multimodal-Intersections-Study
• Vacation Lane & Lorcom Lane Intersection Improvements Project – public comments open through June 9th.
• New Metrobus route names in effect June 29th: https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/plans/Better-Bus/Resources.cfm