Scooting Towards Progress? A look at the new Shared Micromobility Guidelines for Metro Vancouver

Shared Micromobility Guidelines, TransLink 2019

As you’ve probably noticed, residents all over Metro Vancouver are e-scooting on the streets despite the presence of prohibitory bylaws. Accordingly, some recognition is long overdue – and here it is: Shared Micromobility Guidelines.

Published in July by TransLink in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, the document is not designed to recommend the adoption of specific bylaws or policies but to inform municipalities of the relevant considerations for permitting shared micromobility devices within their jurisdictions.

The guidelines focus on six areas:

1. The collection and sharing of Data to measure success.
2. Payments and Price Structures that are financially sustainable and adaptable for integrated and secure payments.
3. System Planning and Design for a fair balance between innovation and public interests.
4. Right-Of-Way (ROW) Management to identify and manage risks.
5. System Operations to ensure service providers are held accountable and have an appropriate level of risk management.
6. Permit Structure and Conditions for short-term and long-term permit structures.

Few would disagree that these guidelines are a sign of progress.  But they stand to have little impact if provincial and municipal regulations and bylaws aren’t amended to permit the operation of these technologies.

For example, so long as the City of Vancouver continues to prohibit the use of e-scooters along trails and paths (the only place they legally can operate under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act), guidelines for shared micromobility services are virtually meaningless.

So, while I commend the creation of these guidelines, I eagerly await amendments to city bylaws, the provincial Motor Vehicle Act, and the new BC Active Transportation Design Guidelines.

You can buy one, you just can’t use it.