Scooter rental company Bird has until 10 p.m. Wednesday to remove their scooters from Norman's rights-of-way, The Norman Transcript reports.
The Transcript reported that the city asked Bird to voluntarily remove the scooters last week and file the proper permits to operate legally in Norman.
"However, on the day the removal was to be accomplished, Sept. 6, Bird first indicated its resistance to entering into these agreements, as well as removing the scooters by the time previously requested, which was 10 p.m. that evening," Lewis wrote. "I understand your assertion that Bird wishes to work with the city, and may suggest revisions to our revocable license agreement. The city appreciates discussion of these matters and intends to respond promptly in this regard; however, at this time, Bird scooters are not legally within the public rights-of-way."
Norman Development Coordinator Terry Floyd said Bird will need to remove its scooters by 10 p.m., or they will be subject to impoundment. Once Bird files the revocable permit, the city council will consider approving the permit. If approved, Floyd added, the city would then consider more comprehensive operational requirements for Bird. Floyd said a competitor to Bird has inquired about the city's permitting process regarding the dockless scooters.
"The city is concerned with Bird's continued operation without permission, particularly as those activities implicate public safety and traffic regulatory concerns, despite good faith requests to cease operations," Lewis wrote. "The city has received multiple complaints regarding Bird's operation in the public rights-of-way, including particular concern that the devices are impediments to access for persons with disabilities."
The company placed several dozen scooters across the city, but mostly in and around Campus Corner mid-August. A spokesperson from Bird said in an email to The Daily that the scooters around OU are part of the company's new "University Pop-Up Tour."
