CHLOE KOWALYK
Managing Editor
Scooters have become a common sight around both SUNY Fredonia and downtown.
The use of electric scooters in general has been on the rise in recent years, and is projected to continue to grow in the next few years. Fredonia is now reflecting this statistic, as many students and residents in the area have begun using electric scooters.
Over the summer, the Fredonia Village Board had a 3–2 vote to accept the Bird Scooter company starting a program in the village. When students returned to Fredonia, several electric Bird Scooters were placed downtown and in areas surrounding campus.
The Bird Scooters cannot be taken on SUNY Fredonia’s campus, in Barker Commons or in Forest Hill Cemetery, but are permitted throughout the rest of the downtown area. Riders need to be 18 years of age or older to rent a Bird scooter, and are highly encouraged to wear a helmet when riding. To rent a Bird Scooter, users can download their app and scan the QR code on the handlebar of the scooter.
Alé Herreros, a senior double major in theater arts and public relations, has her own electric scooter. She’s expressed her approval for the scooters downtown. “I think it’s smart,” Herreros said. A lot of kids can’t drive … Sometimes you just might want to go out, destress and a scooter is a nice way to do that.”
Hererros prefers her scooter to driving because electric scooters are more eco-friendly. “Like if I was using a car, I’d be having to pay for gas also … I could just charge this overnight and then [have it] the next morning.”
Brent Isaacson, the Chief of University Police, also likes the idea of the scooters, but emphasized safety when riding. He said that the overall safety of them “depends on the individual.” It’s up to the rider to make smart decisions when going out on an electric scooter.
“I think it’s important that whether you’re on a bicycle or a scooter or simply just a walking pedestrian, be mindful of your surroundings,” Isaacson said.
Herreros recommends that all riders stop at stop signs, because she said oftentimes, cars do not stop to let you pass. “I’ve had experiences where I’ve almost been run over because I would think a car would stop and it doesn’t,” she said.
Isaacson also commented about traffic safety. He said, “When we’re out in public, especially moving near traffic, we should just be paying attention.”
Bird Scooters are equipped with flashlights on the front of them for nighttime riding. Herreros advises riders to make sure they use that light.
“Always make sure to have your flashlight on, because even if you know your streets during the day and night, you never know [if there’s a] small little crack on the floor and I have very much fallen.”
The Bird Scooters and electric scooters in general are an eco-friendly and economic method of transportation for students and community members alike.