Call For Ealing Borough To Launch Dockless Bike Review

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Petition launched requesting Council follow Hounslow's lead

Signatures are being sought for a petition to ask Ealing Council to conduct a review into the operation of dockless bikes in the borough.

Orange Mobikes have become a familiar sight in the area since their launch although the company has ceased operating in other parts of the borough. They were recently joined by Lime Bikes, green electronically powered cycles.

Local resident Don Tanswell says that many of the users of these schemes are ignoring the needs of pedestrians and pavements and roads are becoming blocked making life more difficult for pedestrians particularly 'mums with buggies' and the elderly. He claims there seems to be no scheme management which he says is not consistent with TfL policy.

Supporters of the schemes say they have been particularly successful in encouraging people to return to cycle or take it up for the first time and that the number of bikes hired will rise significantly as the weather improves.

Mr Tanswell's petition states 'Ask the council to, Debate, consult in public and review the dockless bike schemes in Ealing Borough' and is open for signatures until 23 March. At the time of writing it had obtained over 120 signatures with 1,500 required to force Ealing Council to formally consider the matter.

Hounslow Council admitted the 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 this month.

February 25th 2019