Council Considering Crackdown on Discarded Hire Bikes
Complaints increasing about potential trip hazards and obstruction
Electric bikes parked outside of Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
April 6, 2023
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is asking people who hire electric bikes not to leave them in the middle of pavements for others to trip over. The council is working with the rental companies to develop measures to fine inconsiderate users.
There have been an increasing number of complaints across the borough about trip hazards and obstruction being caused by abandoned bikes.
Some other councils have already taken firm action in the issue with Wandsworth, for instance, impounding bike found left in in appropriate places.
Cllr Sharon Holder, H&F Cabinet Member for the Public Realm, said, “While it’s great that more people are choosing to cycle rather than drive, too many bikes are being parked dangerously on pavements, causing big problems for older and Disabled people and families pushing babies."
She added, “We’re asking people who hire a bike to be considerate and park safely. And we’ve made it clear to the companies that they need to step up enforcement of the rules.”
One measure the council is working on is to enable residents who see bikes parked in an anti-social way to send a photo to the H&F Report It app for the bikes to be removed and the inconsiderate users fined.
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