Our Vision for Shared Micromobility in the Post-COVID Era

For the last decade, bikeshare and shared micromobility have proven to be environmentally friendly, equitable, and affordable forms of transportation. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted how shared micromobility is an essential transportation service that will be a crucial part of post-COVID recovery. We’ve summarized its potential role in the Shared Micromobility in the Post-COVID Era info sheet.

We encourage all industry stakeholders to become advocates and help solidify our role in COVID-19 recovery. We developed the Shared Micromobility in the Post-COVID Era info sheet to equip our members and shared micromobility advocates with an easy-to-understand document to be shared with policy-makers, city officials, and community partners. Sharing the information contained in the document informs decision-makers of the efficacy and importance of shared micromobility, increasing the likelihood of their support.

Shared micromobility is uniquely positioned to continue to support transportation networks as it did before the pandemic. Numerous cities see elevated ridership as more residents, many of them first-time riders, opt for shared micromobility. Operators have responded to this increasing demand by developing comprehensive cleaning protocols and regularly encouraging riders to practice good hygiene. Additionally, COVID-19 brought to light issues with transportation networks that shared micromobility was already helping to fill. Items like the first and last mile and transit deserts have found a solution in shared micromobility. The attention to these gaps and shared micromobility as the answer fuels the need for federal recognition and funding for the industry.

The shared micromobility industry will take advantage of this momentum to strengthen its place in the transportation space as we approach normalcy. That starts with developing stronger partnerships with our cities, communities, and other local stakeholders. Some systems are already putting this into practice. Spin recently announced a new partnership model with the Portland Bureau of Transportation. No matter the model, shared micromobility operators need to have a relationship with their city and residents. Community engagement will prove to be more critical than ever as we explore shared micromobility’s role in recovery.

Collectively, leveraging the industry will help accomplish universal goals. Converting more people into riders will decrease the number of cars on the streets, resulting in lowered congestion and reduced emissions. The creation of more infrastructure that supports shared micromobility and vulnerable roadway users can create more jobs.

Learn more about NABSA’s advocacy efforts here. Read about other NABSA news here.