Anger as dockless bikes are dumped outside homes

By Hannah Neary, Local Democracy Reporter

Londoners are furious as dockless bikes keep getting dumped outside their homes.

Westminster City council is calling for rented bike companies to “clear up their mess” after being “inundated” with complaints from people about bikes being left outside their homes.

The Labour-led authority says discarded bikes are blocking up pavements, especially near London Underground stations.

There is currently no agreement for cyclists to park the rented bikes around Westminster, and the council fears they are a hazard, especially for people disabled and visually impaired people.

In a statement it said: “The council is supportive of new forms of transport that contribute to a cleaner environment and is currently engaged in a trial on e-scooters. However, the current free for all on dockless bikes is unsustainable.”

Westminster’s cabinet member for city management Paul Dimoldenberg said: “We’re really excited about the potential for new technology to help clean up our city.

“Dockless bikes have potential to be a success around the world and I’m sure they can be in central London.

“But we’re inundated with reports of these bikes blocking pathways, roads and even emergency access points, causing significant safety concerns – particularly for disabled and visually impaired residents and visitors to the city.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: “We work closely with all the cities that we operate in to ensure we integrate our service in a responsible way, with consideration to all city residents.”

Human Forest and Tier were contacted for comment.

Pictured top: Discarded dockless bikes (Picture: Westminster City council)