San Marcos launched its new dockless scooter program Sept. 1 with Lime and Texas State University, bringing 150 scooters back to the city. Scooters are available throughout downtown, Texas State and parts of the city east of Interstate 35.
MySA asked residents in local San Marcos Facebook groups where they had spotted the scooters and how they felt about their return. The responses were largely critical, with commenters raising concerns about traffic safety, blocked sidewalks and improper parking.
J Christopher DeLeon said scooter riders have created close calls for him while driving.
“I think they’re annoying. Just something else you have to be careful with and keep an eye out for when driving a vehicle around,” DeLeon wrote. “I’m all for sharing the road for sure, but they have to be mindful of $h*t too. I’m sure no one wants to see anyone get injured.”
Accessibility was another concern.
“I saw two left parked in the middle of a sidewalk, blocking the cut away,” Allison Ply wrote. “A danger to those in wheelchairs or who are visually implied.”
John McWatters, who said he rides a bicycle mostly in the early morning, said he has also encountered improperly parked scooters.
“I keep seeing them abandoned on sidewalks all over,” McWatters wrote.
The complaints come as San Marcos and Lime have rules in place for where scooters can be left. Scooters cannot block sidewalks, roadways, bus stops or ADA ramps, while Lime requires riders to use designated parking areas and keep pedestrian paths clear.
Some residents questioned whether scooters are the right transportation option for San Marcos.
“I don’t understand why we don’t just expand buses and have a more efficient bus system for riders,” Lexi Jones wrote. “If the bus expanded hours and routes it could really serve more of our population. The scooters end up in the river or road too many times.”
Joe Malott added, “Terrible idea. It’s been a nuisance in almost every city they’ve been implemented. I’d happily pay a tiny bit more in taxes to have a safe bus system for our students downtown.”
Not every response was negative. LovelyStrawberry1367 said riding a scooter was “exhilarating,” though the commenter also questioned the safety of riding without a helmet.
The program prohibits riding on I-35 and in natural areas, including riverfront areas. Riders also cannot park within 10 feet of an ADA ramp or near the San Marcos River and must leave at least 5 feet of space for pedestrians.
MySA reached out to the City of San Marcos for comment, but did not hear back in time of publication.