BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (IUSTV News) – Over 50 parking corrals for electric mobility vehicles, like e-scooters and e-bikes will be installed throughout downtown Bloomington, the city announced Monday.
In a press release, the city said the new corrals aim to improve right-of-way access for pedestrians who are moving through downtown. The parking centers will allow for a more organized system, which the city says will not only benefit pedestrians but also users of electric mobility vehicles.
Cyclists of non-electric bikes will also see more places to park and lock bikes as a result of the project.
The city hopes all of the new parking corrals will be installed by August 15.
The use and regulation of e-scooters have been the center of debate for city leaders for much of the past year.
In August of last year, an IU student died from severe injuries after falling off of an e-scooter on 10th Street and Eagleson Avenue.
Then, in September, IU junior Nathanial Stratton was killed while riding an electric scooter after police say he was hit by 22-year-old Madelyn Howard, who was driving while intoxicated.
In October, Bloomington enacted a curfew for the use of e-scooters, limiting availability between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
Additionally, Indiana University police and Lime, one of the major electric scooter companies operating in Bloomington, teamed up last fall to host a safety event, giving out helmets and e-scooter safety tips.
