Alexandria implementing new ‘slow zone’ for scooters in Old Town’s Robinson Landing neighborhood

Anyone riding a scooter through Old Town might want to be mindful of a new “slow zone” coming to one of the neighborhoods.

The City of Alexandria is implementing a slow zone in the Robinson Landing neighborhood as part of a pilot program. The pilot cuts dockless scooters and e-bikes speed to eight mph, below the established city limit of 15 mph.

The Robinson Landing neighborhood is just south of Duke Street along the waterfront. The release said the slow zone would also cover nearby pedestrian walkways and Point Lumley Park.

The pilot is scheduled to run from today, Feb. 21, through May 21.

The full release is below:

The City is launching a slow zone for dockless scooters and e-bikes and would like the public’s feedback on this pilot program. Beginning February 21 and running through May 21, the City will institute a slow zone that limits the speed of dockless scooters and e-bikes used in the Robinson Landing neighborhood of Old Town. Slow zones are designated areas with top speeds that are below the established City limit of 15 mph; they are often used to improve street and sidewalk safety along heavily trafficked corridors.

Evaluating the use of dockless slow zones to address conflicts between riders and pedestrians in high-activity areas was one of the recommendations in the 2019 evaluation report for Alexandria’s Dockless Mobility program.

The pilot slow zone will have an 8 mile-per-hour speed limit on neighborhood streets, Point Lumley Park, and the nearby pedestrian walkway and promenade. GPS technology will be used to enforce the speed limits.

Alexandria residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to provide feedback through Sunday, May 21, the final day of the pilot. City staff will review the responses and consider them in determining the next steps for the Robinson Landing slow zones and the suitability of slow zones in other locations in Alexandria.