Borough's Streets Invaded by Hundreds of Yellow Bikes

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Rental firm oBike agrees to remove new cycles ahead of consultations with council

Have you spotted the new yellow bicycles which have popped up all over the borough?

H&F Council says that last Thursday morning, around 400 of these bright yellow bikes suddenly appeared on the streets of Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and Fulham.

The bikes, it turns out are the property of oBike – a new cycle rental firm based in Singapore which is launching a 'dockless' system for hire across London, as a rival to Santander Cycles.

Most had been left at right angles to the kerb, partially obstructing the footpath, and creating a potential hazard for pedestrians – particularly the disabled.

And the council says they were distributed without any consultation.

Now it says, after it raised its concerns, oBike agreed to remove the bikes they have deposited in the borough.

The company has also agreed to meet with the council to discuss ways to make their cycle scheme work without negatively affecting pedestrians.

"We're very much in favour of cycling," says Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

"But we expect companies to properly consult with us first. This launch could have been much better thought out."

The council has its own cycling strategy sets out plans to make the roads safer, and improve facilities for cyclists.

However, these new dockless bikes, which are unlocked by using a free app, could soon become a familiar site on our streets. It has been reported that oBike plans to place 6,000 of its bikes on the streets of London, and a number of other companies have similar launches planned for later in the year.

July 21, 2017