Tacoma committee considers future of shared bikes, scooters

TACOMA, Wash. — A Tacoma City Council committee will take a closer look at the future of the city's shared bike and electric scooters.

The Public Works Department will present an overview of the ongoing pilot programs Wednesday.

In September, Lime brought 100 dockless bikes and 250 scooters to the city.

Then last month, Bird launched 250 scooters.

Tacoma gave each company a 60-day test period. Lime’s pilot program is slated to end next Tuesday.

KIRO 7 looked through council documents and found the company has requested a 60-day extension. So far, the city plans to grant that extension through January 20.

The city said by 2040, Tacoma is expected to gain about 127,000 new residents, and officials say the current majority of trips in the city are made by single-occupancy vehicles, which contribute to congestion.

The bikes and scooters could be part of the solution.

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