Image: H&F Council
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is moving dumped e-bikes to help keep pavements clear for all residents, but particularly for older and disabled people.
Officers from its Law Enforcement Team and Parking Team have begun to proactively move bikes that are parked in an illegal or anti-social way.
The move follows the rollout of a new designated reporting tool for residents earlier this year.
Cllr Sharon Holder, Hammersmith & Fulham cabinet member for the public realm, said, “It’s great that more people are choosing to cycle rather than drive. But too many bikes are being parked dangerously on pavements, causing big problems for older and Disabled people and families pushing babies.
“We’re asking people who hire a bike to be considerate and park safely. And we’ve made it clear to the companies that they need to step up enforcement of the rules.”
Since the launch of the reporting tool, Hammersmith and Fulham has received nearly 1,000 reports of e-bikes blocking walkways and roads.
Last month, residents reported more than 660 illegally parked rental bikes – 21 a day on average – with an all-time high of nearly 50 reports on 13 May.
This month’s numbers have since dropped to 234 bikes (as of 23 June), with reports averaging at 11 bikes a day.
The council says this drastic decline follows a campaign to keep pavements clear and accessible to all residents.
28 June 2023