Many people in Washington, D.C. said this week they opt for bikes and scooters instead of traditional mass transit options like the bus and Metro because of efficiency and fun, but some say they are worried about safety.
There is a growing trend for those in the district to rent scooters from Lime a company that says it provides “easier and less expensive” options in comparison to competitors. Another popular company to use is Capital Bikeshare, which offers bikes for a minimum of $2 and 30 minutes.
Kenny Fridie, 16, who was renting a Lime scooter in Tenleytown on Tuesday, said that he uses these scooter about three times a week because he doesn’t have his driver’s permit. He thinks young people are drawn to using these public scooters because they cannot drive yet.
When asked why she uses bikes or scooters instead of more conventional methods of transportation, Lara Fife, 40, thinks they are “more efficient.”
Cole Wrampelmeier, 30, who was waiting for the bus outside Wawa, said he rents scooters because it is “more fun and faster” than other transportation.
Others interviewed disagree and think it’s unsafe to ride a bike or scooter around Washington, D.C.
Darleen Wilkinson, 52, who was also waiting for the bus, only takes mass transportation options because “that’s all I know.”
Rishi Sangar, 38, said he would start to use bikes or scooters if they became safer for him on the street.
“Generally people don’t stop, don’t see you and run lights,” Sangar said.