ATLANTA — Citing three recent scooter-related deaths in the city, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is ordering city officials not to allow any additional permits for shareable scooters until further study can be done.
Bottoms issued an executive order prohibiting the issuance of additional permits for shareable dockless mobility devices.
The order will not affect companies with existing permits, however Bottoms says she will introduce legislation at the Aug. 5 Atlanta City Council meeting to address the long-term impacts these devices levy against the city’s infrastructure and public safety, and the compounded strain placed on the city’s public safety officials and first responders.
Upon issuing the executive order, Bottoms issued the following statement:
“Across the nation, municipalities are dealing with the sudden and unforeseen impact these devices have had on our communities. While some municipalities have banned the devices altogether, the City of Atlanta acted in good faith to work with the private sector to explore innovative solutions to ease existing commuting strains. However, as Atlanta has seen three scooter related deaths, this complex issue requires a more thorough and robust dialogue.”
As of July 25, the Commissioner of the Department of City Planning and his designees are authorized, ordered and directed to refuse to accept for review or consideration any application requesting a shareable dockless mobility device permit.
The order will remain in effect through the August 5, 2019 meeting of the Atlanta City Council, at which time it is anticipated that the council will introduce an ordinance repealing the authorization of the Commissioner of the Department of City Planning to accept shareable dockless mobility device permit applications and to issue shareable dockless mobility device permits.
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
