A free scooter trial and safety session is scheduled in Asbury Park Sun., Sept. 29 during the Asbury Fresh Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Kennedy Park at Cookman and Grand Avenues.
Participants can visit with scooter representatives to learn how to safely ride scooters.
Asbury Park released the first set of monthly results for the pilot electric scooter share program showing it has exceeded 15,000 scooter trips in its first month of service. Scooter trips averaged 12.2 minutes with an average trip distance of 0.51 miles. The program, which launched in early August, is a partnership with Zagster, the city’s bike share vendor, and their partner, SPIN, to learn how to safely ride scooters.
“We launched the pilot program with the goal of providing an inexpensive transportation option for residents in Asbury Park who may not have access to a car,” said Transportation Director Michael Manzella, “We also hoped to reduce parking demand and congestion. We are pleased with the initial results which show scooters are being used by residents in all areas of the City and that they are replacing automobile trips – an estimated 5,056 car trips were prevented. And, due to demand, we have increased the number of scooter parking locations throughout Asbury Park from 30 to 50.”
“As with any pilot, we are constantly evaluating and fine tuning the program,” said Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, “In fact, over the last few weeks we’ve taken additional steps to enhance rider safety and education. We’re thrilled to find the scooter program is connecting all parts of Asbury Park and continue to work towards successful and safe operation of the scooters.”
The program includes up to 250 scooters stationed at 50 locations around Asbury Park for riders 18 years and older. Scooters are available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day at a cost of $1 plus 15 cents per minute. Users can download the Spin app to their mobile phone to set up an account, find a map of scooter locations, pay for sessions, and ‘unlock’ scooters for use with a QR code scan. Scooters must be operated on city streets in bike lanes when available, and not on sidewalks.
For more information on the pilot electric scooter program, visit www.cityofasburypark.com/scoot
