Bird scooters bankruptcy won’t affect GJ operations

By SAM KLOMHAUS

Sam.Klomhaus@gjsentinel.com

Bird scooters, one of two companies involved in a micromobility pilot program in Grand Junction, filed for bankruptcy earlier this month, a move the company says will not affect operations in Grand Junction.

Bird, along with Lime scooters, installed e-scooters around Grand Junction as part of an 18-month pilot program that started in May.

The City of Grand Junction said in June the scooters were being used more than expected.

Bird filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month, according to a press release, and will use a court-supervised process to sell its assets.

“We are making progress toward profitability and aim to accelerate that progress by right-sizing our capital structure through this restructuring. We remain focused on our mission to make cities more livable by using micromobility to reduce car usage, traffic, and carbon emissions,” Bird interim CEO Michael Washinushi said.

The move will not affect the company’s operations in Grand Junction, according to Bird.

Bird provided the City of Grand Junction with the following statement: “Bird announced that we have made the proactive decision to restructure our finances to best position the company for success. … I want to underscore that we expect this strategic restructuring to move quickly and have no impact on Grand Junction or our riders in Grand Junction. Our commitment to Grand Junction, the local workforce, and riders remains unwavering and we expect that this restructuring will allow us to continue investing in hardware and technology and to continue building on our success in Grand Junction.”