By Sue Danielson
May 24, 2021
(Cedar Rapids, IA) Cosmo scooters will arrive in Cedar Rapids Thursday May 21st. The scooters are the newest addition to the Cedar Rapids Bike Share program. The city is hosting an event Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Greene Square, where residents can ride the new scooters for free. Staff will be there to help people download the mobile app and answer questions. Normal fares resume after the event.
The Cosmos are sit-down scooters, which travel at the same speeds as traditional stand-up scooters. The Cosmo lowers the rider’s center of gravity, makes hand signaling easier, and provides another mobility option for riders who are not comfortable or able to ride a bike or traditional stand-up scooter. Like traditional scooters and e-bikes, residents can ride the new Cosmo scooters on the bike lanes, travel lanes, or trails, but not on the sidewalk.
CRPD Issues Warning About Riding Scooters Downtown
Yesterday afternoon, the
Cedar Rapids Police Department issued a warning on social media to Iowans who are taking advantage of the bike and scooter rental program in the downtown area. There seems to be a growing problem in terms of
where people are riding the bikes and scooters. The Facebook post reads: In the downtown and surrounding districts: bikes, scooters/sit-down scooters, and skateboards are not permitted to ride on sidewalks. Please walk your wheels in these areas for the safety of pedestrians, or enjoy riding in a bike lane. Sidewalk decals and street signage have been installed in areas where riding on the sidewalk is not permitted.