Charity calls for designated e-bike parking in London

In response to the seizure of shared dockless e-bikes in Westminster, transport charity CoMoUK is calling for designated parking and a further dialogue between the Council and e-bike operators.

CoMoUK said operators are fully committed to working with Westminster to find a solution.

It believes that a combination of designated and carriage way e-bike parking, funded by e-bike operators would help solve the current vehicle clustering issues in Westminster.

Operators are working with multiple London boroughs to implement designated parking bays for e-bikes, many of which replace existing car parking spaces.

Shared e-bikes schemes in London totalled 2.8 million trips over the previous 12 months, avoiding many tons of CO2 from being emitted into London’s air. 

The growing popularity of bike share schemes across the UK has reduced car mileage for each user by an estimated 3.7 miles or 1kg of CO2 every week, with e-bikes soaring in popularity because they reduce journey times and help riders to tackle hills.

A recent report by CoMoUK found that 34% of those using e-bikes said they were replacing car or taxi trips of more than five miles per week.

CoMoUK is also working with TfL, London Councils, boroughs and operators to agree clear ways of working for bike share across a pan-London.

Antonia Roberts, deputy chief executive of CoMoUK, said: ‘Westminster has some of the worst air quality in the entire country, and shared e-bikes are a vital part of the solution to delivering the council’s Climate Action Plan.

‘Bike share is a catalyst to re-engaging with cycling – supporting health and wellbeing, triggering sustainable travel behaviours, cutting car miles, and working alongside bike ownership

‘There is a firm willingness by operators to go to extra lengths to implement a scheme which works for all parties in Westminster, and they would welcome the opportunity to reach a solution with the council.’

Photo by Wolfram Bölte