Rideshare Loading Zones Pilot Project Continues
In an effort to make Washington Ave. N. safer on Friday and Saturday nights, two new rideshare loading zones are continuing as a pilot project that will run through September 27. New signage directing bar patrons to the zones will debut on September 5 and 6.
The pick-up and drop-off zones, called PUDOs, are on 5th Ave. N., next to the Public Storage building and across from Cuzzy’s parking lot, and on 6th Ave. N., next to Sunrise Banks and across from Smack Shack. They’ll be in effect only on Friday and Saturday nights, from 9pm to 6am.
The new PUDO locations launched August 15.
Signs will alert visitors when parking isn’t allowed in the loading zones, and the parking meters are now red, alerting drivers to the changes.
Street signs have been added to alert drivers they can’t park in the zones on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9pm.
Parking meters are now red to alert drivers about spots reserved for rideshares on Friday and Saturday nights.
Within the Uber and Lyft apps, you’ll now see a “Washington Ave Bars” option with a choice between which PUDO to book.
Choose your pick-up or drop-off spot in the app when booking a ride.
The pilot project is in response to safety concerns from residents about what can be a dangerous mix of cars, bikes, scooters and pedestrians on Friday and Saturday nights. “I’ve fielded dozens of complaints from neighbors, and personally witnessed many near-misses on Washington,” said Diane Merrifield, president of the North Loop Neighborhood Association.
Merrifield reached out to Council Member Michael Rainville, who convened several meetings with Minneapolis Public Works, Traffic Enforcement, Regulatory Services, Business Licensing and North Loop Washington Avenue bar owners to tackle the issue. Representatives from Uber and Lyft offered the new loading zones as one solution.
Jay Ettinger, co-owner of the Rabbit Hole, attended the meetings. “I think it’s great because all the restaurant owners that are gathering at these meetings are friends, very supportive of one another and definitely supportive of the neighborhood,” said Ettinger. “Council Member Rainville kind of spearheaded this, but everyone’s been enthusiastic to cooperate.”
“Everyone really came to the table ready to figure this out,” said Rainville. “Moving the rideshare users off the main corridor on Washington will hopefully improve the situation.” Rainville added that other cities have tried this and been successful, but the first two weeks can be confusing while everyone gets used to the new system.
Minneapolis Public Works will monitor the new zones each night, and assess their effectiveness as the pilot project continues.
by Mary Binkley, NLNA volunteer