Locals react to removal of Bird scooters in St. Joseph
By Jazmine Knight
A once-popular scooter is dwindling in St. Joseph in wake of the bankruptcy of electric riding company Bird.
The scooters were popular among teens in St. Joseph who were just looking to get out the house and do something fun. Bird was also utilized by adults who traveled between bars on the Downtown strip.
The nationwide scooter company allowed users to pay and ride using a mobile app.
As the scooters slowly fade away, downtown business owners have a wide range of feelings on its time here. Some businesses are indifferent to the scooters.
“(We didn’t) see any ups and downs with it,” said Jaylon Sybert, owner of Felix Street Gourmet.
Other businesses such as Big Shots Bar and Grill sees the scooters as a nuisance. Their building has holes in some of the walls because of an irresponsible scooter user.
However, Sybert says he’s never experienced anything like that.
“Since the novelty is kind of wear off, you don’t see them that much,” he said. “I haven’t had any issues with anybody on them. So yeah, I’m kind of indifferent to them.”
From what Sybert experienced, it’s been teens using the scooters. He says “they were just out playing with their buddies.”
“I haven’t seen them used as an actual transportation for like, I guess the adult population that, you know, that would come visit us,” said Sybert.
As for other entertainment options, Sybert thinks the scooters gave kids “an outlet.”
“I don’t see anything as long as they’re not, you know, tearing up property and things of that nature, which I have not seen,” he said.
Sybert hopes to see more downtown entertainment options in the future.
“I don’t know exactly what, but anything, whether it’s for youth, children or adults, extra entertainment is always good for the city,” he said.
