City Addresses Micromobility Program in Light of Bird Bankruptcy

Micromobility operator Bird’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on December 20th, 2023, has prompted proactive measures from Culver City officials to safeguard community services. Bird has pledged to maintain uninterrupted service and meet all obligations to Culver City. City staff are in touch with Bird. Both parties are dedicated to ensuring continuity of operations and the high level of service that the community expects.

In the short term, no changes are anticipated to the Culver City Shared Micromobility Program. The City will soon pursue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an additional micromobility company to operate in conjunction with Bird. This will ensure that residents have options and, should Bird suspend operations or pull out of Culver City, micromobility services will continue.

The Culver City Shared Micromobility Program is one of the City’s strategies to improve the overall mobility of the community. Micromobility refers to short-distance transport, usually less than 5 miles, and uses small vehicles such as bikes, e-bikes, and electric scooters. The purpose of this program is to support the development of an integrated multi-modal transportation system by providing additional mobility options to the community and region, and to enhance quality of life.

The City’s Shared Micromobility Program launched in July 2018, with Bird being the first operator. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bird ceased operations. In Phase 2 of the Program, another micromobility operator, Wheels, joined in June 2020 and Bird resumed operations in November 2021. Wheels ceased operations in the City in August 2020. Bird continues to operate as the sole micromobility operator in Culver City.

For inquiries or more information about the Culver City Micromobility program, please contact [email protected].

City of Culver City

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