E-Scooters Likely Not Coming Until Spring In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Falls Church Council made one last decision related to e-scooters ahead of the pilot program start on Jan. 1, 2020. Council voted to take no action on banning e-scooter riding on sidewalks.

City Attorney Carol McCoskrie advised council to take no action, given that an ordinance already exists banning motorized devices on sidewalks. An ordinance addressing where riders can use motorized devices will likely go to council early in 2020.

Councilmember Letty Hardi asked city staff to consider a dedicated bike lane for bicycles and scooters on Lincoln Avenue as part of budget amendment discussions.

Council voted in November to adopt the pilot program regulating e-scooters. The action followed a new Virginia law allowing the devices without regulation starting Jan. 1, 2020 if localities do not establish a regulation program.

Companies can submit applications to deploy e-scooters in Falls Church as of Jan. 1, 2020, according to City Manager Wyatt Shields. He added that the public shouldn't expect to see scooters until the spring as companies go through the approval process. Companies operating e-scooters would be required to complete a permit application and sign a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the city's guidelines.

The issue of riding e-scooters on sidewalks divided council, but Mayor David Tarter said he hopes council can reach a consensus in the new year. Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly and Councilmembers Hardi and Ross Litkenhous indicated at a November meeting they would oppose a sidewalk riding ban.