Bird Reps To Give Away Helmets Outside Austin City Hall

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Bird has landed.

Representatives from Bird, the app-secured scooter provider, will be staging an event outside Austin City Hall on Thursday during which they be give away free helmets. Riding demonstrations also will be featured and safety tips will be shared, organizers said.

To kick-off the event, Jason JonMichael, the Austin Transportation Department’s Assistant Director of Smart Mobility, and Bird will provide opening remarks starting at noon in the plaza in front of City Hall. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m.

"Austin e-scooter riders and supporters are invited to join the event to receive a free helmet, learn more about safe Bird riding, and demonstrate their commitment to helping get cars off the road to reduce congestion and carbon emissions," officials said in a prepared statement.

Now-commonplace scooters have given rise to some concern that riders aren't protecting themselves with helmets. As you see the mostly young scooter mavens whizzing about town, you'll notice that most don't wear helmets when they ride, despite reaching speeds of 15 miles per hour and more. As a result, reports of injuries have soared — not just for Bird users but those of other electric scooters.

In addition to JonMichael, Bird's senior manager, government relations, Blanca Laborde, will be on hand. A recap:

WHAT:

Safety Event & Helmet Giveaway

ATD and Bird to provide opening remarks

WHEN:

Thursday, October 11

12:00 - 3:00 p.m. CDT

WHERE:

Plaza in front of Austin City Hall (301 W 2nd St, Austin TX)

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