Cochrane and Bird partner for the e-scooter pilot project
Launched in 2021, the electronic scooter pilot project serves to support Cochrane's environmental and transportation goals of limiting carbon emissions, reducing traffic congestion and minimizing transportation gaps. The partnership with Bird Canada will help reduce vehicle trips, road congestion and carbon emissions, while providing a reliable and convenient transportation alternative.
Find available e-scooters near you and plan your ride with our interactive geofencing map: e-scooter geo fencing map
E-scooters public safety in Cochrane
E-scooters provide a fun and efficient way to get around Cochrane, but safety is a shared responsibility. Before your first ride, take a moment to review these key safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Know the rules - familiarize yourself with Cochrane’s regulations for operating e-scooters (Bike Bylaw)
- Ride solo - only one rider per device - no doubling allowed.
- Be mindful of pedestrians - slow down, stay alert, and give space when passing others.
- Disinfect before use - wipe down touchpoints with a disinfectant wipe before and after using a shared device.
- Stick to pathways – use well-established trails to protect natural habitats.
- No cycling with leashed dogs – for safety reasons, scooting with a leashed dog is not permitted.
- Avoid distractions – stay focused and avoid using your phone or other hand-held devices while in motion.
- Keep volume low – if using a headset, ensure you can still hear your surroundings.
- Watch for hazards – be cautious of slippery surfaces, loose gravel, or silt.
Etiquette for operating a e-scooter
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please follow these guidelines when using shared e-scooters in Cochrane:
- Slow speed zones for e-scooter riders - are in areas where there is a higher concentration of sidewalk or pathway users. The maximum speed of a shared e-Scooter will be automatically reduced to a maximum of 15 km/h, (down from a max. of 20 km/h). *These slow speed zones are located through the Glenbow Big Hill creek pathway, Jim Uffelmann Dog Off Leash Park and the Historic Downtown.
- Rider requirements - must be 16+.
- Pedestrians first - always yield to people walking on sidewalks.
- Be considerate - use your bell to alert others when passing on the sidewalk, pathway, or in an exclusive bicycle lane.
- Ride safely - shared e-Scooters and e-Bikes are available to riders aged 18+. Helmets are encouraged but not required.
- Park responsibly - park in a secure, upright position in designated areas, such as furniture zones on sidewalks. New corral sites will be coming soon!
- Report issues - if you see a shared device toppled over or parked improperly, you can help out by righting the device or reporting the issue to the permitted operator 311_cochrane@birdcanada.co
By following these simple rules, we can keep Cochrane’s shared mobility options safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
Bird encourages clean, car-free alternatives
Bird is passionate about vibrant communities that have less traffic, cleaner air, and safer streets.
We’re working with cities and universities across the world to provide new transportation options, complement public transit systems, and invest in safety infrastructure that benefits everyone.
Seasonally, residents can find Bird e-scooters located throughout Cochrane. The accessible e-scooters can be activated through Bird’s free mobile phone application.
Frequently asked questions
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Contact Bird
- Email: hello@bird.ca (for general support)
- Phone: +1 (866) 205 2442 (24/7 contact support line)
- Report poorly parked e-scooters: 311_cochrane@birdcanada.co
- Community Mode: Community Mode is accessible by clicking the "⚠️" in the bottom left corner within the Bird mobile app. Click this button, and you’ll find three separate options: report a “Badly Parked Bird’’, “Damaged Bird”, and “Contact Bird”. This is the most efficient way to report the aforementioned topics to the Bird Team and you do not have to be a rider to use this feature (only have to have the app downloaded).