The City of London Corporation has taken decisive action against e-bike operators Lime and Forest, seizing over a hundred of their bikes that were obstructing pathways or posing immediate dangers to pedestrians.
Over a two-week enforcement period, the Corporation confiscated bikes found causing obstructions or immediate hazards. These bikes were stored securely for 24 hours before the operators could retrieve them, albeit for a fee. Despite existing parking agreements with Lime and Forest, the Corporation felt compelled to act due to the sheer volume of complaints received.
In October, the Corporation announced plans to tackle the issues caused by poorly parked e-bikes, including the introduction of hundreds of new parking spaces. They are also advocating for legislation that would establish a pan-London contract for e-bike operators.
Both Lime and Forest have pledged to improve their services. Lime has launched a safety campaign and plans to fund new parking bays in the City through their Parking Infrastructure Fund. Alex Berwin, Head of Policy at Forest, expressed commitment to working with the City to ensure safe and convenient parking locations for e-bike users, aiming to minimise obstructions for non-users.
Shravan Joshi, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, emphasised the importance of responsible bike parking. He acknowledged Lime’s success, noting that with 16 million journeys taken during London’s commuting hours in 2024, their presence is undeniable. However, he also highlighted the challenges posed by bikes cluttering pavements and stressed the need for meaningful results in collaboration with Transport for London and London Councils.
A spokesperson for Lime stated, “We fully support the City of London Corporation’s efforts to ensure responsible parking of rental e-bikes across the industry, whilst ensuring that e-bikes contribute to the City’s transport strategy and plans to improve air quality, reduce car traffic and increase cycling rates.”
As the popularity of dockless e-bikes continues to rise, the balance between convenience and public safety remains a critical concern for city authorities and service providers alike.
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