LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Transportation company, Lime, has launched a new partnership with Bike Walk Kentucky with the goal of making Kentucky streets safer.
Through their new Lime Hero program, riders can round up their trips to the nearest dollar. The extra cash will go to Bike Walk Kentucky.
The nonprofit, which was established about 6 months ago, will focus on empowering people to lobby for better infrastructure, like bike lanes across the state.
"A lot of people don't know," Vice President of Bike Walk KY, Keith Lovan, said. "They go into the Transportation Cabinet and they don't know where to begin. So we're going to show them how they're going to approach the cabinet, what to ask for, and we've seen lot of success when we do that."
Lovan said they will also use the money to promote biking and walking in Kentucky, and to educate the public on how to use all modes of transportation safely.
“We're thrilled to partner with Bike Walk Kentucky to support their invaluable advocacy for safer streets in Lexington,” said Adam Bolin, Kentucky Operations Manager at Lime. “In every survey of our riders, they make clear that safer street infrastructure is a priority for them and that they feel safest on streets with protected bike lanes. We're eager to support these efforts to make streets safer for all users throughout Kentucky.”
Lime has been in Lexington for nearly 3 months. The company reports that there have been 60,000 rides in that time, which has replaced an estimated 20,000 car trips in the City.
However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing for the company. Lime was off to a rocky start when one person was hit by a car on a scooter less than a week after the company launched scooters in Lexington. (https://www.lex18.com/riders-enjoy-new-e-scooters-but-some-have-safety-concerns) please hyperlink to bold section
Within two weeks of that crash, Tim Freeman was hit and killed while riding on Richmond Road. (https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/family-of-man-killed-while-riding-e-scooter-wants-change) please hyperlink to bold section
"Unfortunately they both involved vehicles," Bolin said. "More than 40,000 people are killed every year by cars. I would encourage everybody in Lexington to be a little more aware of who's around you. You share the streets with scooters. You share the streets with other cars. You share the streets with pedestrians and you share the streets with cyclists. Do the best you can to pay attention to what's around you and please don't be on your phones."
Bolin said riders can protect themselves by wearing helmets, never drinking and riding and only allowing one person to ride each scooter at a time.
For more on safety while riding Lime scooters: https://www.li.me/en-us/home
