Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, July 23, 2024

1 David Yakobson
From: Linda Karr O'Connor <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 4:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 5.A and 10.B Scooters

EXTERNAL

Dear City Council,

I’ve listened to scooter vendors tell you about their responsiveness to complaints. On March 14, a Veo scooter was abandoned in the disabled parking spot in front of our house, rendering the spot unusable. I called the number listed on the scooter, 855-Veo-2258, and was directed to login to their Veo app. I don’t need a Veo app nor did I want to open a Veo account – I simply needed someone to pick up the abandoned scooter. I reached a voicemail and no one answered.

The next day the Veo scooter was still there. I called the number they provided for emergencies only – and that also only went to voicemail. If you are in a serious accident or have trouble, you cannot reach a live person. No one ever called back. It took two days before the scooter was retrieved.

My daughter, who has disabilities and needs the parking spot, has nearly been mowed down by scooters on the sidewalk. Riders either assume she can jump out of the way or don’t care. Riding both bikes and scooters on sidewalks is rampant. It doesn’t appear you can control the inconsiderateness of the populace or the dangers to residents from scooters, but I urge you at a minimum to make the vendors more responsive than this for retrieving scooters, let alone responding in the case of accidents, than this incident demonstrates.

Linda Karr O’Connor
Sunset Park
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Jeff Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 3:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 23 Meeting - Items 5a and 10b (to be heard concurrently) STATEMENT OF

SUPPORT

EXTERNAL
 Hello, it is a pleasure to be here tonight - and thank you for taking the time to hear these items. I’d also like to thank staff for the work and commitment to a robust program required to bring these items to the agenda tonight.
 My name is Jeff Hoover, representing Veo - one of Santa Monica's shared micromobility operators.

Veo strongly supports items 5a and 10b on the agenda this evening.  It is critical that Santa Monica maintain a vibrant and healthy micromobility program, as it’s an essential component in meeting several of the city’s overarching priorities shared by Mayor Brock and Mr. White at this year’s state of the city.
 Clean and safe: Veo’s team of W2 employees are residents and members of the community. They are constant “eyes on the street” and a sign of vitality. Further, Veo developed a first-of-its-kind partnership in Santa Monica with “People Concern”. The partnership unlocks car-free, safe, sustainable, and no-cost travel for People Concern’s case workers to reach unhoused clients and provide service delivery with the goal of humanely relocating people away from street living and into shelter, making a safer environment for all.
 Sustainable and Connected: Micromobility enables trips too far to walk but possibly prohibitive in a car.

In Veo’s 2023 survey, 33% of our riders indicated that if a micromobility vehicle weren’t available they would have taken a personal car or TNC. It also serves the key function of bridging connections to local and regional transit. Veo’s fleet is uniquely suited to help Santa Monica’s safely, efficiently, and affordable reach destinations across town or into Los Angeles.
o So far in 2024, over 47% of Veo’s bike trips are two miles or longer, while the average scooter trip in the city is only slightly longer than 1 mile. Santa Monica’s program is no longer a “last mile” solution: Veo is created a “last three-mile solution”.
o 52% of our riders indicated they reduced their car use or actually got rid of a car because of the availability of micromobility.

Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
3  Economic Growth and Cultural Vitality: Veo’s riders- and micromobility riders generally- use zeroemission scooters and bikes to reach commercial destinations around Santa Monica and are not beholden to car traffic patterns or parking scarcity that inhibit car trips. In fact, the amount of cityscape needed for one car space can hold 15-20 scooters and bikes - many more patrons for local shops and restaurants. o Further - Veo made true its 2021 commitment to relocate to Santa Monica and remains the only permitted shared micromobility operator that calls this city home. Our home office is located on the Third Street Promenade.
o We joined the fabric of Santa Monica in early 2022 and have relished our front row seat to Santa Monica’s post-pandemic budding renaissance.
o We have several dozen employees based here and more who regularly visit, patronize the hotel and hospitality industry, our office routinely patronizes local restaurants and suppliers, and our employees enjoy our vehicles no differently than anyone else - using our bikes and scooters to reach shops, grocers, farmers markets, and other destinations around town.  Justice, Equity, and Diversity: Santa Monica has endured a myriad broken promises and it is not curious why the city would be dubious about a brighter future.
o Strengthening the permit program will give the city new tools to enforce broader equity and require companies live up to promises large and small.
o For its part, Veo has a strong record, beyond our move to Thirds Street. o Veo earned support from People Concern, The Santa Monica Black Lives Association, The Santa Monica Ed Foundation, Santa Monica Spoke, and several other community organizations having “walked the walk” and demonstrating a meaningful commitment to the local community. o One of Veo’s core values is that “We all Ride” - and this is not just an axiom. It is displayed in the vehicles we have on Santa Monica Streets today - and have committed to in the future.  Veo has the unique capability to “rebike” Santa Monica - which is a clear goal of the permanent permit program.
o Veo has five different bikes it can deploy on Santa Monica streets - several of which are evolutionary in the equitable mobility opportunities provided to residents. Our current flagship ebike, the Cosmo-e bike is a throttle driven bike which may be peddled, but critically pedaling is not a requirement - allowing use by folks who cannot pedal for long distances or at all. o Additionally - Veo has deployed the first two-seat bike, which was developed in partnership with New York City’s Office of Disability Rights to enable resident with limited vision to ride, even if they cannot drive. Veo is also thrilled to be developing a “cargo” adaptation of this bike, which will finally see residents use micromobility options to not just get to the grocery store, but also home. o Lastly - Veo is in the “design charrette” stage of developing a three-wheeled vehicle. We’re actively convening aging and accessibility advocacy organizations from around the U.S. to review our trike model and offer feedback and guidance so that when the Trike enters production next year it is the most effective accessible vehicle it can be, and the first scaled shared trike in the industry in North America.

Thank you for your time and consideration of these items.

Jeffrey Hoover
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
4 Director of Government Partnerships
Partnerships | Veo
855-836-2256 | 716-432-0848
[email protected]
www.veoride.com
1334 Third Street Promenade, STE 300, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Raymur Flinn <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 12:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: VEO Donor Acknowledgement Letter
Attachments: LOS for VEO 7.23.2024.pdf

EXTERNAL
Raymur Flinn
Executive Director
Santa Monica Education Foundation
1717 4th Street, Ste. 136
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-396-4557
www.smedfoundation.org
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July 23, 2024
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July 23, 2024
1717 4th Street Ste 132A, Santa Monica, CA 90404 310-396-4557 smedfoundation.org Board of Directors
Danny Guggenheim
President
Kelly Naylor
Vice President
Elizabeth Urquhart
Treasurer
Thea Cappiccille
Secretary
Connie Alvarez
Emily Arms
John R. Baracy
Monica Batra
Elyse Bennett
Alison Havel
Deb Love
Duncan Rolph
Marilyn Speakman
Julie Waterstone
Nancy Wu
Raymur Flinn
Executive Director
July 23, 2024
City of Santa Monica
Department of Transportation, Mobility Division
1685 Main Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Santa Monica Department of Transportation,
The purpose of this letter is to share information about Veo’s support for our public-school students.

We are truly grateful for the commitment Veo has made to our students and schools. They have been a strong partner in helping to provide equitable education to all Santa Monica children in our public schools.

Veo has been a significant donor to the Education Foundation, generously contributing $35,000 between 2022 and 2024, and we look forward to receiving their continued support in the coming school year.

These funds ensure that our students receive a vibrant education, enriching their experiences in Academics, Arts, and Athletics across all Santa Monica public schools. Without support from Veo and other dedicated Corporate Heroes, Santa Monica Schools would look vastly different.

We appreciate Veo’s commitment to Santa Monica public schools and their investment in our community’s future leaders.

Sincerely,
Raymur Flinn
Executive Director

Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Christine Parra Cc: David White; [email protected]; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier; Kyle Kozar Subject: Support concurrent agenda items 5A and 10B
Attachments: 2024-07 CC Support concurrent items 5A-10B.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica Mayor and City Council:

Please see our attached letter in support of concurrent items 5A and 10B on the July 23rd Council Meeting Agenda
Cynthia Rose and Cris Gutierrez .
--
Cynthia Rose
Director
Santa Monica Spoke
SMSpoke.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
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July 23, 2024
A community group dedicated
to biking and walking in Santa Monica.

Working to make the
City of Santa Monica a
more sustainable,
bikeable & walkable place to live, work and play.

July 23, 2024

Re: Agenda Items 5A and 10B (concurrent)

Approval to Reject All Bids for Contracted Shared Mobility Service Providers and Continue the Existing Permit-Based Program with Select Revisions
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:

With enthusiasm, Santa Monica Spoke (SM Spoke), a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving biking and active transportation in the City of Santa Monica, wishes to express our support for the active mobility permit structure and Veo’s inclusion in Santa Monica’s shared micro-mobility permit program.

Both Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance fully support the Consent Calendar item 5A and concurrent Ordinance update item 10B.

While we are disappointed the contract model did not reach fruition, we believe an equitable and robust permit program can continue to serve our community well. To this end, we urge the Council to support both items 5A and 10B including staff’s recommended amendments to the Charter.

Significantly, Veo has been a steadfast partner in the community, to SM Spoke, to SaMo Safe Streets Alliance and to a variety of community organizations throughout the city. We’ve included our original letter of support below – supporting Veo during the Spring 2023 RFP.

Even during this past year of limbo, Veo has continued to nurture its roots in the community, offering support, maintaining its staff and office on the Third Street Promenade, and providing support for SM Spoke led events, including Kidical Mass, as well as giving invaluable support at our “learn to ride” and “active mobility” encouragement events for Santa Monica’s aging community during the Active Aging Pilot Program. Indeed, the program could not have had the success it had without Veo’s support by providing devices free of charge to participants who without that help would not have been able to participate.

Veo remains the only company that we are aware of able to provide multiple bike types to allow Santa Monicans to find a vehicle type best suited for each unique personality and ability. Veo has demonstrated its commitment to do its part in “re-biking” Santa Monica by adding additional bike models to its local fleet. We have long asked to see Veo’s other options - standard pedal assist bikes - added to their permit fleet.

Much work remains in Santa Monica’s mode shift efforts. To achieve a healthier, vibrant and more environmentally sustainable Santa Monica it is essential we support active modes of transportation, such as bikes and shared mobility devices. Affirming the importance of these options provided by shared mobility devices - with the benefit of community-rooted partners like Veo, a valued corporate constituent - that are uniquely suited to match a variety of vehicles to peoples’ comfort and ability is a wonderful and essential start to expand choices and diverse and equitable options for mobility.

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July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
We agree with staff’s assessment that the City’s best interests are served by rejecting all bids under the Contracted Shared Mobility Services RFP and to continue with the permit-based operation model.

Please vote to support a vibrant community that includes active, shared mobility options and vote to approve staff's recommendation to continue with the permit-based operation model.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
Director, Santa Monica Spoke Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SMSpoke.org
SaMoSafeStreets.org
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
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July 23, 2024
A community group dedicated to biking in Santa Monica.

Working to make the City of Santa Monica a
more sustainable, bikeable place to live, work and play.

February 22, 2023
City of Santa Monica
Department of Transportation, Mobility Division
1685 Main Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: Contracted Shared Mobility Services – Project ID 344 To Whom It May Concern:

As Director of Santa Monica Spoke (SM Spoke) and Co-Founder of the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance, I am writing to express support for Veo’s application. As a local 501(c)3 organization Santa Monica Spoke is dedicated to improving biking and active transportation in the City of Santa Monica. We believe shared micro-mobility is an important option to promote and introduce our community and visitors to Santa Monica to the many benefits of biking and healthier active mobility.

We have enjoyed an authentic partnership with Veo, a local company that champions and amplifies our shared goals around active mobility. We believe Veo has demonstrated it does not just “talk the talk” but also “walks the walk”; Veo has been consistently and actively engaged, demonstrating a willingness, interest, and ability to participate enthusiastically in various SM Spoke-led events, providing free-use of their devices for learn-to-ride and other group-ride events like the tour for the visiting Consulate Delegates from the Netherlands and most recently Kidical Mass.

We are pleased to see Veo is uniquely positioned to provide a fully mixed-fleet of devices in Santa Monica. We think having the option of a wide variety of devices to choose from is key to a successful program. Veo is the only company that we are aware of that is prepared to offer such a diverse variety of micro-mobility form factors: acoustic pedal bikes, pedal-assist class I e-bikes, and class II e-bikes.

Santa Monica Spoke is very supportive of bringing in a variety and diversity of bike options and price points to be available for public use.

There is a lot of great work to be done locally to help shift our community to choose healthier and more sustainable transportation options to encourage folks out of their cars and toward more beneficial and more active mobility choices, such as shared bikes and electric devices.

We support Veo as a “right fit” partner for our diverse community here in Santa Monica. We look forward to continued collaboration and to working closely with Veo and their staff for years to come.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
Director, Santa Monica Spoke
SMSpoke.org
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Jason Hargrove <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 8:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 10B

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
As we continue to strive for a clean and safe Santa Monica, it's crucial that our community has reliable and efficient access to active mobility. Shared mobility has already replaced hundreds of thousands of car trips in our city. Many residents, visitors, and essential workers rely on these devices to get around.

This update will offer users more options, such as the addition of class 1 e-bikes. It will allow the city to update parking incentives and requirements for these devices and provide more flexibility in selecting vendors, which is crucial in this ever-changing world.

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Jason Hargrove 90404
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Phil's Eighty Grand Electric Mercedes <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 7:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis
Subject: item 10B

EXTERNAL
Hi councilmembers, it's me again, Phil's expensive electric Mercedes SUV. Please support Phil's motion to ban the scooters! They really ruin Phil's day when he has to watch out to avoid hitting someone riding them. Like he said, they're a major eyesore imposing lots of visual clutter, unlike cars and SUVs which are practically invisible and certainly never get left lying around in front of people's front doors.

And if you're a pedestrian, which one would you rather be hit by, a reckless scooter rider or a safe responsible driver operating a multi-ton electric SUV? That scooter rider didn't even require any special training to operate their dangerous 30 pound high-speed vehicle! Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Dan Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 7:28 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; councilmtgitems; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Support Item 10B

EXTERNAL
Dear Council,
As we continue to strive for a clean and safe Santa Monica, it's crucial that our community has reliable and efficient access to active mobility. Shared mobility has already replaced hundreds of thousands of car trips in our city. Many residents, visitors, and essential workers rely on these devices to get around. As a one car household, my partner and I frequently use these devices.

Less traffic, imagine that!
This update will offer users more options, such as the addition of class 1 e-bikes. It will allow the city to update parking incentives and requirements for these devices and provide more flexibility in selecting vendors, which is crucial in this ever-changing world.

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Dan Hall
90404
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Chasen Daniels <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 11:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 10B

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Chasen Daniels
90401
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Jed White <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 11:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 10B

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I have worked in Santa Monica for nearly 20 years as an attorney and partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (Broadway and 2nd). I use shared mobility to get to the office instead of drive. I do not want to be forced to drive my car into the office.

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Jed White
This electronic message is from a law firm. It may contain confidential or privileged information. If you received this transmission in error, please reply to the sender to advise of the error and delete this transmission and any attachments.

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Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Sam Shapiro-Kline <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 11:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 10B

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I personally use the shared scooters in Santa Monica for local trips, and I would like to see the program improved, expanded, and designed to make the cost reasonable for residents to use. Please support these scooters - as my alternative would be to call an uber, adding more traffic to the city.

As we continue to strive for a clean and safe Santa Monica, it's crucial that our community has reliable and efficient access to active mobility. Shared mobility has already replaced hundreds of thousands of car trips in our city. Many residents, visitors, and essential workers rely on these devices to get around.

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Sam Shapiro-Kline
90403
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Timothy Nguyen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 9:33 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: I support item 10B

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Timothy Nguyen, 90404
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: Ian Lundy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 9:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 10B

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
Choice is a critical element to transportation success. We must have options of different speeds and efficiencies to have a fluid, flexible and resilient transportation system. Scooters are a critical piece of the puzzle that help people not be forced into cars for trips that don’t have to be taken by car. As we continue to strive for a clean and safe Santa Monica, it's crucial that our community has reliable and efficient access to active mobility. Shared mobility has already replaced hundreds of thousands of car trips in our city. Many residents, visitors, and essential workers rely on these devices to get around.

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Ian Lundy, 90025
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: Juan Matute <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 9:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Great idea, Mayor Brock! (10B)

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
Mayor Brock stated that the City should focus on forging "a robust bike share system," https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2024/July2024/07_22_2024_Council_Takes_Up_Proposal_to_Keep_Scooters_Permanently.html I agree with Mayor Brock! The city should work with Metro Bikeshare and Bicycle Transit Systems to expand pedal bikeshare in Santa Monica.

Once Metro bikeshare is as plentiful in Santa Monica as Breeze bikeshare once was, then the city could phase out the scooters, like Paris did.

And the city should follow Paris's lead and triple parking fees on large vehicles that disrupt views from the sidewalk
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/bike-friendly-paris-votes-raising-parking-fees-suvs-2024-02-03/ Thank you,
Juan
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
10 David Yakobson
From: Pamela O'Connor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 8:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 10B

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,
To reach our sustainability and climate goals and to ensure public safety for all on our sidewalks, streets, and bike paths, we must continue to strive for a clean and safe Santa Monica. It's crucial that our community has reliable and efficient access to active mobility. Shared mobility has already replaced hundreds of thousands of car trips in our city. Many residents, visitors, and essential workers rely on these devices to get around.

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Pam O’Connor
Former Mayor
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
11 David Yakobson
From: Sid T Zahn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 5:38 PM
To: Trevor Thomas; Attorney Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Kyle Kozar
Subject: Re: Scooter Ordinance

EXTERNAL
I would like to provide input regarding the proposed Scooter Ordinance.

Firstly, thank you to Trevor Thomas for your response to me the other day regarding a serious scooter safety matter. (email thread below).

I read the proposed Ordinance and find some of the language vague in respect to enforcing public, especially pedestrian, safety. I do note that there is language relating to leaving scooters blocking the public areas and the consequence of being impounded.

However, much more is unaddressed:

May I first quote CA Vehicle Code:

In the state of California, it's illegal to ride electric scooters on the sidewalk. According to California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21235, electric scooters must be operated on the roadway or the bike lane. This law was designed with both pedestrian safety and rider safety in mind.

Given that riding scooters on sidewalks in Santa Monica is regulated by local ordinances. I suggest explicit language be included in the proposed Ordinance, including:

1. Street Riding: Electric scooters can reach speeds of up to 15 mph, so they are required to be ridden on the street, following the flow of traffic. They are not allowed on sidewalks, the Third Street Promenade, parks, or the beach bike path in Santa Monica.

2. Age and License: To operate an e-scooter (stand-up or sit-down), you must have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit.

3. Parking: When parking shared e-scooters and e-bikes, be respectful. Use designated drop zones or park upright at the edge of the curb to avoid blocking access.

Operate a motorized scooter with any passengers in addition to the operator.

Operate a motorized scooter carrying any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

Leave a motorized scooter lying on its side on any sidewalk, or park a motorized scooter on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic.

Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
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July 23, 2024
12 Attach the motorized scooter or himself or herself while on the roadway, by any means, to any other vehicle on the roadway.

May I finally say that I support the use of e-scooters as the City of Santa Monica intended, as a mode to minimize car use as a point-to-point means of transportation.

The issue, as you are all well aware, is that much of the use of scooters is for "joy riding" including by those under the age of 16. Of course, all these infractions are exacerbated by the lack of courtesy, if not outright hostility by those who abuse the use and we pedestrians.

And, of course, the issue of "consequences". We know that the SMPD does next to nothing to enforce the current Ordinance. (It's my understanding the fine for riding on the sidewalk is $200). And officers have consistently told me to take it up with City Council, as even if a written-up violation gets to the Court, it is summarily dismissed.

I appreciate your consideration for what I have said and trust you will continue to prioritize public safety in Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Sid T. Zahn
Trevor Thomas
From:[email protected]
To:Sid T Zahn
Cc:Kyle Kozar
Thu, Jul 18 at 3:58 PM
Dear Mr. Zahn,
Dear Mr. Zahn,
Thanks very much for passing this on. I agree that the behavior that you observed is egregious, and we'll work with both of our current operators (Spin and Veo) to make sure that it's not allowed to continue. I'll reach out to their operations teams and ask that we "geofence" off this internal walkway to make sure that shared e-scooters can't be operated on it.

With respect to Bird's purchase of Spin and Spin's continued operations: you're correct that Bird did acquire Spin, and that Bird has not been permitted to operated in the City since 2021. We've worked with our City Attorney's Office and with Spin to ensure that they're operating as a distinct entity. Spin can only operate Spin-branded devices and not Bird-branded scooters, and that all of Spin's prior obligations to the City and the community – including device limitations and operations and maintenance requirements –are unchanged after the purchase.

Thanks again. I'll reach out right now to direct both current operators to prevent future incidents like this.

Best regards,
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
13 Trevor
Trevor Thomas
Senior Transportation Planner
c: 734-709-8145
w: 310-458-2201 x 5715
[email protected]

From: Sid T Zahn <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:20 PM
To: Bird <[email protected]>
Cc: Kyle Kozar <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Message from Bird and Spin Safety Team

EXTERNAL

Attached is a video of two individuals riding tandem on a Pedestrian walk street on Sunday July 14. 2024 between 1:30 and 2pm.

The location is between two residential buildings 1705 and 1725 Ocean Ave.

Also attached is a photo of a Sign PROHIBITING the riding of scooters on this walk street.

Initially they were asked to not ride on the walk street. They subsequently continued to do so going back and forth antagonizing residents.

This walk street is populated by senior citizens, persons with disabilities, small children and customers of nearby cafes.

It is obviously unsafe and is also illegal to ride these motor vehicles on pedestrian walks in the City of Santa Monica. It is also prohibited to ride tandem.

I just became aware that Bird owns Spin. As a resident of Santa Monica, it had been my understanding that Bird lost it's contract in SM due to numerous violations.

Sid T Zahn
[email protected]
On Monday, July 15, 2024 at 01:51:57 PM PDT, Jenni (Bird) <[email protected]> wrote:

Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
14 Jenni (Bird)
Jul 15, 2024, 1:51 PM PDT
Hello there,
Thank you for reaching out and bringing this to our attention with what you witnessed yesterday. We are sincerely sorry to hear of it. When you have a moment, we would like to learn more about what happened. Please reply to us with the following information:
 Location of the incident
 Date and time the incident occurred
 Any photos you may have in relation to this event
This information will help us investigate your report further. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach back out if you have any questions.

Thank you.

All the Best,
Jenni
Safety Team
[Y45XGX-NV9J2]
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Jeanne Laurie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 4:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Tuesday, July 12 Agenda Items 5.A and 10.B
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
e-scooters are unsafe and unwanted. 99% of the time they are ridden by 2 people at a time, neither is wearing a helmet.

They terrorize people on the sidewalks.

I hope it won't take a $500,000 donation this time for you to make the correct decision.

They should be banned. Bicycles are an appropriate mode of transportation even for tourists.

Enough injuries have occurred as a result of all the law-breaking, irresponsible people on escooters.

Jeanne Laurie
Sunset Park
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 3:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 10B
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Michael Etzel, 90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 3:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: In Support of Item 10B
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
City Council,
As a driver, biker, pedestrian, resident, and voter in Santa Monica, I support Item 10B. As we continue to strive for a clean and safe Santa Monica, it's crucial that our community has reliable and efficient access to active mobility. Shared mobility has already replaced hundreds of thousands of car trips in our city. Many residents, visitors, and essential workers rely on these devices to get around.

This update will offer users more options, such as the addition of Class 1 e-bikes. It will allow the city to update parking incentives and requirements for these devices and provide more flexibility in selecting vendors, which is crucial in this ever-changing world.

Please support Item 10B.

Thank you,
Jacob Wasserman
90403
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Ellory Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 2:57 PM
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 10B

Please support item 10B.

Thank you,
Ellory Smith
90291
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 12:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: e-scooters Items 5.A and 10.B
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I Just read that at the July 23rd meeting the council is looking to expand the number of escooters in the City. Why? I can’t walk one block without dam-near tripping over a couple of them laying on the sidewalk.

I think the City’s encouragement of the scooters and the lack of enforcement in the operation of them will result in liability for the City. I have had many close encounters with illegally operated scooters but fortunately I have not suffered injury. If in the future I do suffer injury from an illegally operated scooter you can bet that I will be one who sues the City.

Respectfully,
Joseph Palazzolo
Santa Monica
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Mary Hubbell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 12:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra
Subject: Support for complete ban of E-scooters
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,
I am following up with my previous email detailing concerns regarding E-scooters in Santa Monica.

I urge you to listen to our very real safety concerns and ultimately make the decision to completely ban them in Santa Monica.

Many other cities have put their pedestrians’ safety as a number one priority and have banned these devices. It’s time for Santa Monica to follow suit.

Thank you for your consideration,
Mary Hubbell
Ocean Park
Sent from Mary's iPhone
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Mary <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 10:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis
Subject: E-scooter debate returns to Council yet again
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,
I read the SMDP article today regarding a change in the E-scooter/bike deployment. It states that City staff are proposing a change from a contract to permit mode. I didn’t see a clear explanation of the differences that will result from going from a contract to permit model for these devices.

My concern is that the numbers of these devices will be increased. As someone who walks our neighborhood and surrounding areas in Ocean Park including the beach paths, I continue to experience e-scooters blocking the pedestrian pathways/sidewalks, riders continuing to ignore the restriction of no riding on the sidewalks or pedestrian paths. These create pedestrian mobility safety issues.

I would like to hear how data is collected on the use of these devices regarding the notion that they replace “hundreds of thousands of automobile trips”. Also how many citations have been issued for; riding on the sidewalks, blocking sidewalks, unsafe speeds, and underage device riders.

Please do not expand these services until we know the impacts of their use on pedestrian safety issues. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://smdp.com/2024/07/22/scooter-debate-returns-to-council-yetagain/__;!!OfuUnHCITYtmmjM!pbblYnj3K1Kwy9BcWIfXUCRHWqRTuThB9ZPTIrpyl2KHtpdpY2stSyohXihwIf_0m_kf hsPM-wtw-Iwc26izj2eQmhM5meAh$
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.

Mary Hubbell
Ocean Park
Sent from my iPad
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024
Item 5-A
July 23, 2024

Santa Monica City CouncilJuly 23, 2024

Santa Monica City Council
July 23, 2024