Conservative councillors support three-point plan to regulate dockless bike schemes
All across Wandsworth, pedestrians are being forced off pavements and on to the road as Lime and other cycle hire bikes are being poorly parked and abandoned on paths.
Transport for London's hire scheme requires bikes to be docked at the end of journeys, but the cycle companies allow them to be abandoned whenever and wherever the user's journey ends.
The careless parking of dockless bikes makes it dangerous to navigate local pavements especially for anyone with small children or a buggy, the elderly and anyone with a disability such as those using a wheelchair or with a visual impairment.
Yesterday evening (3rd November), Conservative members of Wandsworth Council’s Transport Committee backed measures to regulate dockless bike schemes and crack down on inconsiderate riders.
The Conservative group supports a three-point plan to regulate dockless bike hire schemes operating in the Borough:
1. Council officers remove rental bicycles left dangerously blocking pavements around Wandsworth and charge the rental companies for doing so.
2. Wandsworth Council work with local residents to come up with locations for designated bays in which the bikes can be left safely.
3. Wandsworth Council should introduce new byelaws with fines up to £500 for the rental companies for bikes abandoned dangerously.
At the meeting of the Transport Committee, the Conservative group moved a motion proposing the introduction of fines for those who do not park dockless bikes in designated areas.
It was unanimously voted down by the ruling Labour group.
Cllr John Locker said:
“As a passionate cyclist myself, I welcome any scheme that encourages more people to cycle – but this free-for-all can’t continue.
“Every day, I receive messages from elderly and disabled residents whose path is being blocked by poorly parked cycle hire bikes – often in the middle of pavements.
“That’s why the Wandsworth Conservatives support sensible regulation of dockless bike hire schemes.
“It’s a shame Labour voted against our common-sense proposal to fine those who park carelessly.
“We’ll keep fighting to make our streets safer. We would encourage all residents to back our plan by signing our petition”.
