In Which I Test New City Bikes

City scooter and bike at MMU.

On my birthday, Friday, the city of Cedar Rapids and its Bike Share Program vendor VeoRide brought some toys to The Hill, and I got to try some.

I had not ridden the electric-assist bicycles that the city has for rent. But before I rode the bike, I tried a newer vehicle—an electric scooter.

This summer when I visited San Francisco and San Diego, electric scooters were fairly common, and a bit of a menace. They aren’t so common in the Midwest, but they do provide a way to get around.

And, to be honest, they are kind of fun to ride. I launched myself from the Rohde Family Plaza and zoomed down to the Warde Hall parking lot, then turned around and headed back up. I ran off the sidewalk at one point, but otherwise did OK on the trip. No pedestrians were hurt, either, in my first scooter ride.

I’ve not gone over to the dark side. I’m still a biker, not a scooter.

And then, after the scooter, I rode the bicycle. It was a surprising experience—the bikes have an electric boost that magnifies the impact of pedaling.

Student (background) and Dean of Students test city scooter and bike at MMU Friday.

Other MMU employees and had lots of fun trying the city program vehicles out, too. I hope the city program succeeds.

But as for me, I am willing to stick with riding my own bicycles.

Logo on city bike.

Pond on C Avenue on the way in on my birthday.

Me riding scooter at MMU--Photo by Caroline Groesbeck.