Lime E- Bikes Are Not Part Of A Hounslow Council Scheme

They are only permitted in the Ealing Council part of Chiswick

Mobikes and Lime Bikes near Turnham Green tube station

Hounslow Council has clarified the position relating to the new electric-assisted Lime bikes which appeared in Chiswick last week. The council says the bikes are part of an Ealing Council trial and are not permitted to be left in areas that come under Hounslow's jurisdiction.

There was confusion over the sudden appearance of the e-bikes last week, a number of them were placed alongside the orange Mobikes near Turnham Green tube station (Acton Green ) while others were parked in the Gunnersbury area.

A statement from Hounslow Council said: "The London Borough of Ealing is currently running a trial of LimeBike dockless electric-assisted hire bikes. Hounslow has not permitted the operator to place bikes in our borough and any bikes which end up here should be moved out by the end of the day. We will monitor any which remain for an extended period of time and seek removal by the operator.

"There have been reports recently of some LimeBikes being mistakenly deposited in Hounslow which have been reported and are being removed. If residents wish to report any issues to Lime, they should call 0800 8085223."

Councillor Hanif Khan, Lead Member for Transport at Hounslow Council said: "We in Hounslow wish to encourage sustainable travel and bike loan schemes can be a very convenient and cost-effective means for residents to complete short journeys. However, if people do not take care when parking them, hire bikes can obstruct pavements, presenting hazards for pedestrians.

"This particular scheme is being trialled by our neighbouring borough, Ealing and while it is not surprising that some bikes end up in Hounslow on occasion, we need to monitor reports of obstructions and ensure that they are removed where necessary."

There had been confusion over the appearance of two lots of dockless hire bikes, as the Lime bikes arrived just at the same time as Hounslow Council said that it is reviewing the current 12-month trial of the orange Mobikes.

Hounslow Council admitted last week that the orange Mobikes trial had been a disappointment, and that "the Mobike service to date has not consistently met with aspirations" for a dockless cycle scheme. It promised an immediate review of the scheme before the end of the 12 month trial period which is due to end in February 2019.

Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Steed has also raised the issue of Mobikes being parked amongst cycle racks. He said last Monday, on the Ealing side of Turnham Green, there were 24 Mobikes parked amongst cycle racks. He felt the concentration of bikes was excessive and taking up space on the cycle stands which were meant to be used by other residents.

Cllr Steed has been told by Ealing Council that the Lime bikes have now started the trial on a smaller scale than Mobikes. As part of the Council’s commitment to mode shift and improving air quality, it was felt that additional operators could be beneficial, although the total number of bicycles would be capped.

The American-based Lime company has recently entered the Uk market starting off with a base in Milton Keynes, and now Ealing.

Mobikes have been the subject of controversy in Chiswick as some traders and residents are not happy with the fact that they do not have to be parked in a special hub, and can be left anywhere. A similarly named scheme called Obike was launched in Hammersmith & Fulham by a company from Singapore but caused problems as carelessly abandoned bikes caused obstructions.

December 7, 2018