**Regulations and Designated Spaces Needed for Electric Scooter Use in Tijuana**
As the popularity of electric scooters continues to rise in urban areas, Tijuana finds itself at a crossroads regarding their regulation and the establishment of appropriate pathways for their safe use. Gina Arana Cruz, a council member and president of the Urban Mobility and Road Committee of Tijuana’s 25th Town Hall, has stressed the necessity of creating regulations and designating spaces for these scooters to operate safely within the city.
Despite their current prohibition, there’s an increasing call for change as other cities have already implemented successful regulations concerning their use. “We must begin to investigate and regulate their use as they have been in other cities,” said Arana Cruz.
The agenda for establishing these regulations will be discussed with the Citizen Mobility Council, which includes engineers, architects, and specialists. Arana Cruz also expressed the need to understand why residents choose alternative modes of transportation over public transport. Factors such as traffic congestion and insufficient public transit services push the community toward options like electric scooters, which are faster, cheaper over time, and environmentally friendly.
However, there is also a need for safer routes for these scooters. “Spaces need to be rehabilitated so users of these units can travel safely,” commented Arana Cruz. Despite a proposal for developing a pathway along the Tijuana River canalization for bikes and scooters, this has yet to be realized.
Municipal police have started seizing electric scooters, citing the absence of necessary licensing, plates, and helmet use as reasons. “This issue was prevalent last summer but hasn’t been as visible in the city since,” added Arana Cruz. She concluded that this matter requires thorough review and action.
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**Secondary Article: Global Implications and Innovations in Electric Scooter Usage**
Globally, the rise of electric scooters has sparked various regulatory responses and innovations, reflecting their growing role in urban mobility solutions. Leading cities are pioneering frameworks to integrate these vehicles into their transport ecosystems safely and effectively. Cities like Paris have implemented rigorous licensing systems and required scooter companies to obtain permits, leading to more controlled and safer usage.
In the United States, cities like San Francisco and New York have taken innovative approaches by launching pilot programs that test the integration of scooters with public transit systems, offering potential solutions for last-mile transportation challenges. These programs aim to assess both the benefits and logistical challenges of widespread scooter usage.
Moreover, technology companies are developing sophisticated solutions like geofencing to regulate where scooters can operate and park, reducing urban clutter and enhancing user compliance with local laws.
These global efforts highlight the potential benefits of electric scooters in urban environments, including reduced carbon emissions and alleviated traffic congestion. However, they also emphasize the importance of thoughtful consideration and planning in their integration to ensure safety and public acceptance.
For Tijuana, these international examples could serve as a blueprint as the city considers its roadmap towards embracing electric scooters while addressing local traffic and environmental concerns.