Shaping the Future of Micromobility in LoDo

By L. Elle Baker, LoDoNA Board Member & Co-chair of the Pedestrian Safety Committee

Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood is a dynamic hub of activity, where historic charm meets modern urban living. As a board member of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association (LoDoNA) and Co-chair of the Pedestrian Safety Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for the needs of our residents and businesses, particularly in areas of transportation and infrastructure. One key focus of my work this year has been engaging with micromobility companies—Lime and Bird—to ensure their operations align with our community’s needs as the City of Denver revisits its contracts with these providers.

Micromobility—shared scooters and e-bikes—has become an integral part of urban transportation, offering an alternative to cars while reducing congestion and emissions. Referred to vendors as “last-mile transportation” their intent hasn’t necessarily met with the reality we see in our community daily. In a dense and historic neighborhood like LoDo, balancing convenience with safety and accessibility is a challenge.

Advocating for Responsible Operations

As part of LoDoNA’s efforts to affect positive change, I’ve been working alongside my co-chair, Palace Lofts resident Mike Miller, to ensure the voice of the community is heard in the city’s contract negotiation review process. “Our goal is not to eliminate micromobility but to refine its implementation in a way that serves both riders and the broader community,” says Mike. “LoDo is a pedestrian-heavy district with high foot traffic, historic infrastructure, and a unique set of challenges that must be addressed.”A major concern for LoDo residents has been the inconsistency in parking and deployment of scooters. Too often, they are left in areas that obstruct sidewalks, ADA ramps, and business entrances. By engaging directly with Lime and Bird, we’ve pushed for solutions that emphasize responsible parking and improved geofencing technology to prevent improper use.

In a recent report to government officials, I emphasized, “Denver’s contract with micromobility providers should reflect the reality of how these devices impact neighborhoods. That means clear accountability for ensuring devices are parked appropriately, equitable distribution across the city, and meaningful enforcement when providers don’t meet their obligations”.

Collaborating for Smarter Policy

Our engagement with Lime and Bird has led to constructive discussions about implementing better incentives for responsible riding and more proactive management of fleets. We’ve advocated for:

• Improved Parking Solutions – Expanding designated parking zones and ensuring clear penalties for improper parking.
• Stronger Geofencing & Speed Controls – Enhancing technology to automatically slow scooters in high-pedestrian areas like Wynkoop Plaza and Union Station.
• Community Engagement & Reporting Tools – Giving residents a more direct way to report issues and ensuring faster response times from providers.

Mike adds, “We want to see real data-driven accountability in this contract. Providers should be required to meet performance metrics—not just in ridership, but in safety and compliance with city regulations.”

A Vision for LoDo’s Future

Micromobility can and should be a positive force in LoDo, but only if it’s managed thoughtfully. Through LoDoNA’s advocacy, we’re pushing for a contract that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and accountability—ensuring that these services enhance our neighborhood rather than disrupt it.

As negotiations continue, we remain committed to representing the interests of LoDo residents and businesses. “This is about finding a balance,” Mike concludes. “We want micromobility to succeed in Denver, but it has to be done in a way that respects the unique character and needs of our historic district.”

Our work is far from over, but with continued collaboration and community involvement, we can help shape a smarter, safer future for micromobility in LoDo.