Along with the positive aspects, the construction of bicycle lanes and the increase in their use also bring with them certain problems. People leave these vehicles randomly outside the parking lot or near it. As a result, both traffic and pedestrians are at risk.
“Caspian” The newspaper published an article on the subject.
We create obstacles for others.
Sahar Mehman, a cycling instructor, often encounters such situations. According to him, users should not only think about themselves, but also about others: “The same thing happens with both bicycles and scooters. In many cases, they use them and throw them away. This situation also makes it difficult for people to circulate. people. A person in a wheelchair, a child. How should a woman who moves with her stroller put it aside? These tools are meant to make our lives easier.
According to S. Mehman, in this case a control and a fine are necessary: ”I would suggest deducting a certain amount from the balance of the citizen who does not correctly place his micromobility vehicle in the parking lot. If this is the case, people will refrain to carry out these actions”.
“Serious education and propaganda is necessary”
Transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev considers that the massive transition to micromobility is new in our country: “Micromobility has been confirmed in urban transport after the bike lane network was separated in recent months. Before, bicycles and scooters were used only as a means of entertainment. On the territory of Seaside National Park, starting this year, the network of bicycle lanes will lead to an increase in the number of bicycle users. If there are parking lots, I think this network will be. will expand even further. “Educate and promote cycling. We cannot increase the number of users without a lane. “If a gradual increase is necessary, then certain measures can be taken.”
“40 manat means a fine”
The head of the micromobility department of the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency, Joshgun Mammadov, stated that until now there was no requirement in the legislation. But the legislation is already regulated: “Many issues are indicated here. Small electric vehicles must have specific parking spaces. They must not be left on the road or on sidewalks. They must also pay attention to traffic signs. If not “If you follow this, it will mean a fine of 40 manat.”
J. Mammadov also spoke about the work carried out by AYNA: “Micromobility vehicles must be parked in the places determined by AYNA. Operators must control the parking of small electric vehicles in the parking lot. Regular meetings were held with operators and informed them about Improperly parked scooters are at the same time pedestrians and also pose a danger to other traffic users.
“Most bicycles are left on the sidewalk”
Ali Ahmadli, CEO of the bike rental company, clarified such situations: “There are cases where bikes are left on the sidewalk and in other parking areas. Sometimes, for some reason, the bike remains in the road before reaching the parking lot. This is sometimes due to the user’s funds or a long journey. After passing the battery, it is usually left on the pavement and may be left on the road by passers-by.
According to A. Ahmadli, the employees control the bicycles: “Our regional operators see with the software the point at which the bicycles actually stop. If the bicycle is outside the parking lot, our employees take it to the parking lot. If it is a electric bicycle, they change the battery and check its technical parameters. If there are no technical defects, the bicycle is ready to be used by other customers. After cleaning each station, employees take photographs of the station.
“Those people have been punished”
The director stated that sometimes bicycles are subject to “vandalism” by people: “Although there are no cases of injuries caused by cars, we do come across cases of this type by people. We have come across cases such as burning the seats, scratching the bicycle screen, signal theft and intentional removal of some parts. Most of our parking spaces are monitored by law. We investigate each incident and determine if it is intentional or if it is a problem. during use that comes from the user’s inexperience. But we can’t blame people. Since micromobility tools are new to everyone, during this time they can only learn by driving.”
Our interviewee said that in the future they are thinking about increasing parking lots and parking points: “I hope that by March-April next year we will be able to make our service area in an area three times larger than the current one. This includes increasing both of parking and the number of bicycles.”
