Push Back Against Suggestion of Match Day Bays for e-bikes
Council officer says residents might need to give up parking spaces
Lime bikes parked outside the entrance to Stamford Bridge. Picture: Facebook
September 15, 2026
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has been warned against suspending parking bays for use by e-bikes on days when professional football matches are played in the borough.
The borough hosts two Premier League sides, Chelsea and Fulham, as well as Championship team Queen’s Park Rangers. As seen at clubs across London, the influx of fans when home games are played has led to concerns about the use of e-bikes, in particular where they are parked.
In an effort to tackle the issue of abandoned vehicles and improve standards, the council has increased the number of parking bays across the borough and agreed a new code of behaviour with operators Voi, Bolt, Lime and Forest.
The authority also recently ran a consultation with residents and businesses on potential new e-bike and e-scooter locations, some of which are proposed near the stadiums.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) however understands there was some concern at a recent residents meeting, organised by Chelsea FC, at which a council officer suggested parking bays could be suspended on matchdays to be used by e-bikes.
This has been confirmed by three individuals who attended the Chelsea meeting, held on 2 September. Chelsea FC was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
A representative for FulhamTogether, a group formed to campaign for the protection of local streets, told the LDRS: “Residents were very concerned at the council suggesting parking could be temporarily suspended for some designated stretches of some streets near all three stadiums in Hammersmith and Fulham on matchdays to accommodate temporary bays for e-bikes. For Chelsea Football Club, the council are looking at streets off the North End Road.
“Whilst poorly parked and massed e-bikes on matchdays are an issue, there is already insufficient residents parking and the cost of permits doubled over the last year. Residents feel this issue should be borne by the operators and riders rather than by residents.
“A meeting with Fulham residents, parking officials and hopefully councillors will discuss the issue and look for practical solutions.”
A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said no decisions have been made, with additional rounds of consultation planned.
They said: “We recently consulted local people and businesses on new rental e-bike and e-scooter bay locations, including near football stadiums. And we’re planning further rounds of consultation over the next few months.”
A Forest spokesperson said: “Forest is working closely with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, other shared e-bike operators, as well as Chelsea FC, Fulham FC, and QPR, on shared e-bike parking plans for all three stadiums and the areas that surround them. These include providing additional temporary parking bays and ensuring appropriate staffing is in place to manage demand on matchdays.
“As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity and clubs encourage supporters to adopt more sustainable and active transport methods, additional parking capacity will be crucial to accommodate increased demand, and ensure e-bikes work for both users and residents alike.”
Lime declined to comment.
A Guardian investigation found London boroughs to have seized more than 3,000 e-bikes this year amid growing calls to prevent them blocking pavements. Kensington and Chelsea Council is among those to have cracked down, with over 2,500 e-bikes causing “immediate danger or significant obstruction” confiscated between early 2025 and June 2026.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Resident Services, Planning, and Enforcement, said: “Rental e-bikes have an important role to play in helping Londoners get around, but that cannot come at the expense of safe, accessible streets.
“We need operators to do their bit by clearing obstructions quickly, covering the cost when we have to intervene, and doing more to encourage considerate rider behaviour.”
Ben Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter
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