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JUMP Scooters: Dallas Ride Guide 2019

July 25, 2019 / Dallas

There’s a right way to ride a scooter, and there’s a wrong way. We’re here to help you ride a scooter the right way around Dallas. Scooters are fun and a real transportation alternative but if used incorrectly, you can endanger yourself and others. Let’s cover what not to do and what to do when riding an electric scooter:

Don’t do these things while riding a scooter in Dallas

Don’t ride on the sidewalks in Deep Ellum or Downtown Dallas. You’ve seen the signs. Don’t do it—it’s against the law, per Dallas Ordinance. Be careful while riding on the street and follow all traffic laws (stoplights, stop signs, direction of traffic, etc)
Don’t ride on multi-use trails. Katy Trail, Klyde Warren Park, and Fair Park have prohibited riding scooters on their trails and parks. Please be respectful and keep scooters out of these areas
Don’t leave scooters blocking right-of-ways. Park scooters so they don’t block doorways, sidewalks, or curb cutouts. If you see them blocking any of those things, do the right thing and please move the scooter
Don’t ride more than one person per scooter. We’ve all seen it and it’s ridiculous. They’re free to unlock and practically everywhere. Tell your friend to get their own.
Don’t ride recklessly. If you’re reading this post, you’re probably one of the good ones. Remind others to share the road and sidewalks, when allowed, and be mindful of others around you.

Do these things while riding a scooter in Dallas

Wear a helmet. In the event of a crash, wearing a helmet may help prevent traumatic brain injury. It’s serious.
Be aware of your surroundings—cars and pedestrians. Cars may not see you, it’s up to you to ride defensively. Watch for cars crossing intersections, exiting parking garages, making turns, and more. Watch for pedestrians and yield when appropriate
Act predictably. You are more prone to crashing if you ride erratically. Cars don’t know where you are going and you can’t watch the road conditions. Don’t make sudden, drastic turns or swerve
Watch for cracks, potholes, and train tracks. They’re small wheels and debris or imperfect road conditions may cause you to crash. Watch the road, while being aware of your surroundings, and cross train tracks perpendicularly so your wheel doesn’t get stuck in the tracks
Go slow—especially downhill. You’re not trying to set any land speed records. Go slowly and be careful riding down an incline—use the footbrake when available. First-time riders should learn in a closed environment
Take the scenic route. Often, the best car route is not the best scooter route. Taking a longer route may be more enjoyable than a busy road. Do not get on highways, access roads, or other roads with fast-moving cars
Street vs. sidewalk vs. bike lane vs. trail. Not all surfaces are the same. Surface conditions may vary and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure to find the safest route where scooters are allowed
Two hands at all times. Taking one hand off the handlebars may cause you to crash. Leave your phone in your pocket and stow away your hat. Instead of hand signaling, it may be safer to use the “box turn”
What’s a “box turn”? Don’t swerve across traffic to make a left-hand turn. Instead, while in the right-hand lane (or sidewalk, if allowed), cross to the same-side corner and wait for the crossing light to turn green, then cross again
Be respectful. Ride kind. If people hate scooters because of dangerous riders, cities may be forced to take them away

This guide is not an exhaustive list and you should consult additional safety resources before riding. Check out the NHTSA’s Bicycle Safety page; many principles also apply to scooters.

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Thanks for riding with JUMP in Dallas. We want everyone to have fun and stay safe while making real changes to how cities move. Together, our efforts can help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions in Dallas.

Posted by Uber Editor

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