CITY OF YONKERS TAPS BIRD TO LAUNCH NEW YORK STATE’S FIRST EVER ELECTRIC SCOOTER PILOT PROGRAM

 

 

 

 

 

Bird e-scooters to Launch in Yonkers in Early August
(Photo Credit: Bird)

YONKERS, NY – July 31, 2020 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the city has partnered with Bird to launch New York State’s first-ever electric scooter pilot program. Beginning in early August, as part of a one-year pilot program, Bird will deploy up to 200 scooters in southwest Yonkers, including the Downtown-Waterfront area, with the potential of expanding up to 500 scooters to meet demand.

“Yonkers is pleased to once again lead the way as a progressive city in offering smart, emission-free transportation solutions for our community,” said Yonkers Mayor Spano. “Partnering with Bird will provide residents and visitors the opportunity to travel our city with ease and convenience all while being affordable, reliable and fun.”

“Yonkers’ dedication to micromobility is unparalleled, and Bird is honored to serve in the first e-scooter pilot program both here and in New York State,” said Rebecca Hahn, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Bird. “Like so many New Yorkers, Yonkers residents are adopting more socially-distant transportation habits in the wake of COVID-19. We’re looking forward to providing a safe and sustainable way for them to stay mobile and support local businesses as the city continues to recover and rebuild.”

Through the Bird smartphone app, riders can see the closest Bird scooter on a map, unlock it, complete the safety tutorial and ride directly to their desired destination. Upon ending their trip, riders simply park the scooter safely along the side of a sidewalk or on-street next to an unmarked curb and take a photo of the scooter through the app to ensure proper parking.

The cost for a Bird ride is $1 to start and 30 cents per minute. Bird also offers low-income access plans that include unlimited 30-minute rides for $5 per month for anyone enrolled in or eligible for a state or federal assistance program.

In compliance with the recently enacted New York State law, e-scooters must be used on streets with a posted speed limit of no more than 30 mph. Riders may also use scooters in bike lanes, but must offer the right of way to bicycles. Riders must be 18 years of age to use a Bird scooter in Yonkers.

Yonkers’s partnership with Bird marks the second of its kind with a dockless transportation sharing company. The city was the first in the New York City area to embrace dockless bike sharing in 2018, and now will become the first in the state to welcome shared electric scooters nearly three years after the first Birds were launched in Santa Monica in September 2017.

The announcement comes less than a month after another notable micromobility first when the United Kingdom officially approved Bird One electric scooters for use in city trials, paving the way for Bird’s first UK launch since its scooters were first ridden in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2018.

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MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES 2020 SUMMER FILM LINE-UP FOR YONKERS RESIDENTS

City of Yonkers Parks Department to Offer Family-Friendly Outdoor Movies Every Week in July & August

YONKERS, NY – July 1, 2020 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the schedule for the City’s 2020 Summer Film Series that will run during July and August at several Yonkers parks.  The family-friendly series is FREE of charge and open to Yonkers residents.

“Our Summer Film Series in Yonkers has been a hit with residents and back by popular demand, we’re excited that it’s returning again this summer,” said Mayor Spano.  “Although new safety measures due to COVID-19 will be implemented, there is no better way to spend your summer nights than to enjoy an outdoor movie with family and friends at your local neighborhood park.”

Movies will be screened on Thursday evenings in July and August and begin at dusk at various locations throughout the City for residents only. Due to restrictions, movies are by reservation only and residents must reserve their spot by calling (914) 377-6441 a week prior to each movie. Repeat attendees will be placed on a waiting list. For R-rated movies, children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

According to COVID-19 guidelines, residents should stay at home if they are sick, exhibiting or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, coughing and/or trouble breathing. During each movie screening,  Yonkers residents must agree to the following rules:

  • Practice social distancing at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other residents and personnel
  • Wear a mask or cloth face covering

Movie screenings are subject to change and residents are strongly encouraged to bring their own seating.  In case of rain, residents should call the City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation at (914) 377-6441/(914) 377-6450 or visit @CityofYonkers on Facebook and Twitter to confirm cancellations.

The complete Summer Film Series schedule is as follows: