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DC rewriting the rules for dockless bikes

Starting September, all dockless bikes and scooters must be locked or secured to a bike rack.

Credit: AFP Contributor

Mobikes are seen on the streets of Washington, DC, on September 20, 2017, after about 200 of the bicycles that are rented via an app that finds the closest bicycle via GPS became available for public use.

WASHINGTON -- The District Department of Transportation has extended the dockless bike program in the city but with a new rule.

Starting September, riders must lock their bikes or scooters to bike racks.

DDOT said the requirement is about sharing the sidewalk since bikes or scooters left in the middle of a walkway pose a safety hazard and obstruction to those in wheelchairs or scooters.

RELATED: Capital Bikeshare goes electric, echoing dockless bike company Jump

This comes on the heels of a petition sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser from Bicycle advocates demanding the city invest in 20,000 bikes.

Right now, the city has restricted dockless vehicles to 400 per company. DDOT has already added 200 bike racks with another 300 on the way.

More permanent rules and enforcement tools will likely be established next year.

Right now, the only dockless bike company that offers a lock is Jump.