Lime, a well-known electric scooter and bike rental service, recently took a significant step to protect a pride-themed crosswalk in Spokane, Washington. After a series of “troubling incidents,” the company established a “no-go zone” around the crosswalk, effectively banning their rental vehicles from entering the area. This decision followed the arrest of several teens for allegedly damaging the crosswalk, as reported by The National Desk.
The Spokane Police Department arrested three teens on June 5, charging them with first-degree malicious mischief and could face 10 years in jail. The charges stemmed from allegations that they intentionally vandalized the crosswalk, which features a pride flag. According to a police press release, officers observed extensive black scuff marks consistent with scooter wheels across the mural, leading to the arrests. Among those detained was a 19-year-old, who was booked and charged, while two minors were placed in a juvenile detention center.
The question is did they do it on purpose or where they just being kids and having fun.
A group of five to six kids just starting doing donuts and creating skid marks on the Pride Mural. Right in front of me as we’re reporting on three people getting arrested for doing the same thing last night.@KHQLocalNews pic.twitter.com/FMXGAg77fx
— Adam Schwager (@schwagerTV) June 6, 2024
Lime’s “no-go zones” are part of their broader efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of certain areas. According to Lime’s website, these zones are marked by red shading and a restricted symbol, and any Lime vehicle entering these zones will gradually come to a stop. Riders are required to walk their vehicles out of these zones to continue their journeys.
Hayden Harvey, Lime’s director of government relations, condemned the acts of vandalism, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting pride celebrations globally. “All of us at Lime condemn these vile acts in no uncertain terms,” Harvey told The National Desk. “At a time when our teams at Lime are beginning pride celebrations around the globe, it is disturbing to see the hate taking place in Spokane.”
The alleged vandalism has sparked widespread outrage, with many interpreting the actions as homophobic. Social media has been abuzz with varying opinions, with some users labeling the incident as a hate crime. One Twitter user passionately stated, “What the teens did is absolutely a hate crime… They purposely aimed to deface a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community in Spokane as well as all over the world.”
Conversely, others questioned the placement of the mural on a street, pointing out the inevitability of vehicles driving over it. “Explain to me why anyone would put any mural in the middle of a damn street and expect anyone not to drive on it? It is a street for goodness sake!” another user wrote, highlighting the practical concerns over the mural’s location.
