Micromobility’s Debt and Responsibility to Democracy

Micromobility, like so many industries and occupations, owes an invaluable debt to democracy. 

Without its defining principles of liberty, equality before the law and fairly elected government representation, the technology and innovative spirit that gave rise to shared e-scooters would likely never have existed.

Bird is proud to stand alongside our industry peers in affirming our shared responsibility to help protect, support and encourage these democratic ideals. It’s why we enacted our Roll to the Polls campaign last November to offer free mobility access to millions of Americans and why we’re continuing this service for the upcoming elections in Portugal on January 24, 2021. 

It’s also why we’re proud to join the Civic Alliance, a nonpartisan group of businesses working together to build a future where everyone participates in shaping their country. Together we will strengthen democracy by supporting safe, accessible, trusted elections, inspiring our employees and riders to participate in civic life and strengthening civic resilience for generations to come.

These actions do not deserve praise. They’re part of our promise to help bring lasting social change to the cities and citizens around the world with whom we’re honored to share our passion for sustainable, accessible urban mobility. 

In the wake of the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, now is the time for us to call for accountability, promote healthy dialogue and foster cooperation in our communities. The Bird team unequivocally supports the peaceful transfer of power in all democratic nations, and we’re proud to be working with our city partners to provide safe, sustainable rides leading up to and on this week’s Inauguration Day in the U.S.

We are also taking action to ensure that anyone identified with the Capitol insurrection is permanently banned from using Bird or from becoming a Bird partner.

Sustainable mobility can be a force for positive change. Bird has believed that since our first ride in 2017, and we remain committed to meeting our civic and social responsibilities to help ensure that this promise can be kept for many years to come.

Rebecca Hahn is the Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Bird.

Her role puts her at the confluence of community engagement and storytelling, leading the company’s global city engagement, government partnerships, policy, communications, marketing and brand teams.