As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), the LoDoNA Pedestrian Safety Committee (PSC) continues to engage with companies responding to the city’s new micromobility Request for Proposals (RFP). These discussions help ensure that the pedestrian and resident perspective remains central to future program design, operations, and accountability measures in Lower Downtown.
Our deep engagement in this process stems from the outsized impact micromobility has on our neighborhood. Although LoDo represents just 1% of Denver’s total land area, it accounts for approximately 25% of all shared micromobility rides that start or finish within the city. This density of use makes our community uniquely affected by—and highly sensitive to—the outcomes of this RFP process and the implementation of new operational standards.
Over the past several weeks, the PSC and LoDoNA leadership have met with representatives from Hopp (Bolt), Veo, Lime, and Bird, four of the companies vying for selection under Denver’s upcoming five-year shared-mobility contract. We have also made several attempts to connect with Neuron, but have been unsuccessful in scheduling a meeting to hear their presentation.
Below is a summary of key takeaways and observations from our meetings with the participating vendors.
Hopp (Bolt)
Hopp—operating internationally under the name Bolt—is a relatively new entrant to the U.S. market, currently active in Washington, D.C. The company brings extensive global experience, with Oslo cited as their “gold-standard” model for human-centered micromobility design.
Two notable technical features distinguish Hopp from other vendors:
- AI-Enabled Cameras mounted on every device for real-time detection of sidewalk riding, a substantial improvement over the delayed GPS “rumble sensor” systems common among existing operators.
- On-Device Mapping that enhances geolocation precision and reduces lag between detection and response.
Hopp representatives described a “carrot over stick” approach to rider accountability, using incentives and a Rider Score system to promote responsible use. However, details regarding enforcement and Denver-specific staffing remain limited. Their proposed “Hopp Patrols,” designated teams tasked with monitoring parking and misuse, will require on-the-ground validation to determine effectiveness.
Veo
Founded in 2017, Veo operates in major U.S. cities from Los Angeles to New York and focuses exclusively on micromobility devices—unlike conglomerate-based competitors such as Uber (Lime) and Lyft (Bird). Several aspects of their proposal stood out as promising:
- Post-Ride Parking Verification: A short, AI-analyzed video confirms riders have parked correctly at the end of each trip.
- Human-Detection Radar: A developing technology that detects pedestrians and automatically slows the device to discourage sidewalk riding.
- VeoRack Pilot: A dock-style visual corral usable by all operators, encouraging proper parking without physical locks.
Importantly, all Veo field personnel are W-2 employees, not gig-based contractors. The company anticipates hiring approximately 80 full-time staff in Denver if selected.
During our discussion, we emphasized the need for a functional reporting mechanism that does not rely on Denver’s 311 system, which remains inadequate for real-time incident management. Veo agreed that integrating technology with Denver’s Clean & Safe program—or a unified citywide platform—would be essential for success.
With the RFP proposing an increase from roughly 6,500 to 9,000 shared devices citywide, we underscored the importance of scalable enforcement and transparent data sharing. Veo cited Columbus, Ohio as a case study where restructured vendor accountability led to measurable improvements.
Lime
Lime has long been part of Denver’s shared mobility landscape. While their operational footprint is significant, feedback from residents and committee observations continue to highlight concerns about persistent parking issues, inadequate enforcement, and inconsistent community engagement. Lime’s technical updates have largely been incremental, with limited innovation directly targeting rider behavior or pedestrian safety.
Bird
Bird, now operating under the Lyft umbrella, faces similar challenges. Despite their established presence, recurring issues with non-corral parking, sidewalk riding, and reactive communication remain. The company’s broader corporate integration into a ride-share platform may dilute its ability to prioritize local mobility and neighborhood-specific improvements.
Neuron
The PSC has made several attempts to connect with Neuron but has been unsuccessful in scheduling a meeting to hear their presentation. We remain open to future conversations and encourage all potential vendors to proactively engage with neighborhood organizations as part of the selection process.
Committee Observations
Several consistent themes have emerged across all vendor interactions:
- Accountability and Enforcement: Advanced technology must translate into measurable behavioral improvements. Promises of AI-driven detection and geo-fencing are only as effective as the follow-through.
- Reporting and Transparency: Residents need a simple, unified way to report violations and clutter—without downloading multiple vendor apps or navigating slow 311 response systems.
- Flexibility in Contract Design: With a five-year contract term, Denver must retain the ability to incorporate new technologies and make mid-course corrections as performance data becomes available.
- Culture of Compliance: Education, positive incentives, and clear consequences are all necessary to build a culture of responsible ridership that respects both safety and shared public space.
Conclusion
The PSC appreciates the opportunity to meet directly with prospective operators and to represent the perspective of residents, pedestrians, and local businesses in the heart of Denver. Several companies demonstrate encouraging advancements in technology and management, yet the long-term success of this program will depend on the city’s ability to enforce standards, demand transparency, and prioritize public safety.
We remain committed to collaborating with DOTI, City Council, and our community partners to ensure that Denver’s next generation of micromobility reflects the values of safety, accountability, and livability that define Lower Downtown.
