E-bikes left on pavements causing havoc for blind people

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

The National Federation for the Blind (NFB) said visually impaired people are being put off going to museums and theatres in the capital as the streets are littered with abandoned cycles for hire.

Rented e-bikes are turning the streets of London into an obstacle course and Westminster City Council has started to confiscate the vehicles to try and keep the streets clear for vulnerable Londoners.

Sarah Leadbetter, NFB national campaigns officer, who is visually impaired, has been left stranded in London as e-bikes are left dumped on tactile pavement and blocking her from getting to the tactile indicator at traffic lights.

Sarah said: “It is stopping my independence. I cannot cross the road safely. The e-bikes are just left all over the place. [Blind people] are being put off going to Central London.

“They are completely covering the pavement. It’s hard for me and my guide dog to get around. I’m only 5ft1, when I stand next to the [e-bikes] they are up to my arm and shoulder.

“It’s that fear of not knowing. There is no way I would be able to get up [if one fell on me].”

Hal Stevenson, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Lime UKI, said: “These journeys often replace trips that would otherwise be made in cars. At a time when London is facing a climate emergency and air quality crisis, this trend is fantastic news and should be encouraged and welcomed by all.

“At Lime, we’re committed to ensuring our service works for everyone that shares our streets. We strongly encourage riders of hired bikes to always ensure they park safely and responsibly – never leave a bike in a way that obstructs the pavement or makes another person’s journey more difficult.”

Pictured top: Sarah Leadbetter and her dog Nellie stand next to an e-bike (Picture: Sarah Gayton)