Electric bike hire schemes in a north London borough are facing a potential ban after the local authority issued a stark 'last warning' to operators over persistent problems.
Council Leaders Issue Final Ultimatum
Islington Council has told e-bike companies Lime and Forest they are on their final warning to urgently tackle issues of dangerous parking and poor rider behaviour. The council's leader, Una O'Halloran, and executive member, Rowena Champion, sent a formal letter to the firms on 11 December 2024, highlighting what they describe as 'persistent problems' that 'remain unresolved'.
In an interview with BBC London, Ms O'Halloran clarified the council's position, stating, 'I'm not against cyclists and we see the benefits of bikes in the borough, but there are problems.' She emphasised that the council 'cannot solve these issues alone' and has demanded the companies work with them to find a collective solution.
Resident Anger and Operator Responses
The council's demands include a cessation of operations between 11pm and 6am in specific areas where multiple complaints about night-time noise have been logged. This move follows direct feedback from long-term residents like Deborah Smith, who has lived in Islington for 30 years.
Ms Smith told the BBC that the bikes appeared without consultation, claiming, 'no-one asked us if we wanted it here or not.' She expressed frustration that the docking stations had 'taken away two parking spaces for which we pay parking permits.'
In response to the council's ultimatum, a spokesperson for Forest said the company was 'taking the issues raised seriously' and 'remains committed to being a responsible operator'. Alex Berwin, Head of Policy at Forest, added they 'care deeply about making a positive impact in the city'.
Lime acknowledged that 'record demand for our service has led to some parking challenges in Islington' and stated it was 'working with the council on practical steps to minimise disruption for residents, especially during the night.' The company argued that 'some overnight operations are essential' for rebalancing its fleet.
The Future of Shared E-Bikes in Islington
In their open letter, Councillors O'Halloran and Champion set out further demands intended to 'ensure the schemes' sustainable future'. The implication is clear: if the operators fail to demonstrate swift and significant improvement, the council will move to revoke their licences to operate in the borough.
This standoff places the future of dockless e-bike hire in Islington in serious jeopardy. The outcome will be closely watched by other UK councils grappling with the balance between promoting sustainable transport and managing public space and resident complaints.
