More than 3,000 people have already responded to Waltham Forest Council's consultation on bringing dockless e-bikes to the borough. If you haven't taken part yet, you still can: the consultation closes on Sunday 8 November.
The consultation opened in August. It asks residents what they think about allowing dockless hire services, such as Lime and Forest bikes, to operate across Waltham Forest. The Green administration says the responses show "significant support" for the idea, along with concerns about bikes blocking pavements.
Concerns about pavements
Council leader Paul Perkins acknowledged those worries. "We recognise concerns about dockless bikes obstructing footways and creating difficulties for pedestrians," he said, pointing in particular to the effect on disabled residents.
The council has set out a number of possible ways to tackle the problem:
- designated parking bays for the bikes
- geofencing technology, so users can only end their ride in approved locations
- restrictions in sensitive areas
Operators would also be expected to "respond quickly" when bikes are reported as badly parked.
At a recent council meeting, Labour councillor Miriam Mirwitch pressed the administration on how vulnerable pedestrians would be protected, raising concerns about accessibility.
The bigger picture
Around 150,000 trips are made on dockless e-bikes across London every day.
The consultation sits alongside the council's wider cycling work. Since taking office in May, the Greens have installed 66 new bike hangars across the borough, adding 396 spaces to the existing 1,125 hangars. Even so, around 4,200 people are still on the waiting list for a hangar space.
Whether you ride, walk or both, this is a chance to shape how e-bikes work on your streets. The consultation is open until Sunday 8 November.
