Residents in Richmond are calling on the council to reverse its controversial decision to ban Lime e-bikes from being hired or parked in the borough, with a petition garnering over 1,500 signatures in just three weeks. The move, which will take effect this summer, has sparked concerns about reduced transport accessibility, particularly in underserved neighbourhoods.
Petition Highlights Transport Disruption
Launched by local resident Esther Van De Pette, the petition warns that withdrawing Lime e-bikes will severely limit transport options for both residents and visitors. It emphasizes that areas like Barnes, which already suffer from less frequent public transport and congested roads exacerbated by the closure of Hammersmith Bridge to vehicles since 2019, will be disproportionately affected.
The petition states: "As well as disrupting established travel patterns, including school journeys, it risks negative impacts on local businesses and visitor access. The justification for the decision relies on benefits that could be achieved without exclusivity and appears to prioritise limited financial gain over public utility."
Council's Decision and Rationale
On March 16, Richmond Council's transport committee awarded exclusive operating rights for e-bike services to Forest, effectively banning Lime bikes from the borough. The council argues that this new arrangement will offer more competitive pricing, increase the number of available bikes, and provide riders with full access to neighbouring boroughs like Kingston and Hounslow, where Forest is already the designated provider.
A council spokesperson explained: "Forest already operates in all neighbouring London boroughs, meaning residents will be able to travel freely between areas for the first time, enhancing cross-borough connectivity." The authority also highlighted that it will receive a significant annual concession payment from Forest, aimed at delivering value for taxpayers during challenging economic times.
Resident Concerns and Feedback
However, many residents remain skeptical. Robin Coghlan, 72, expressed fears that the switch could lead to fewer people using e-bikes, potentially increasing car usage. He noted: "People will use their cars more, taking around huge amounts of metal and plastic unnecessarily, whereas bicycles are a very efficient alternative that should be encouraged."
Elderly residents Wendy Gilley, 83, and Hildi Plunkett, 86, argued that the council should focus on solving existing issues with e-bikes, such as improper parking, rather than switching providers. Hildi questioned: "I don't see why the council is going from one company to another. Identify some of the problems and fix them, rather than go by another provider."
Historical Context and Service Growth
Lime has been the sole e-bike provider in Richmond since 2021, with over 1.5 million trips recorded last year—a 50% increase from the previous year. Following resident feedback, the council had previously agreed to expand the service, increasing the cap on e-bikes from 250 to 750 and planning to add more parking bays to reduce pavement obstructions.
Political Criticism and Alternatives
Green councillors have criticized the decision, with opposition leader Andrée Frieze advocating for a two-operator model to ensure resilience and better connectivity. She stated: "Two e-bike companies provide more choice for residents, resilience against operator failure, and better connectivity across London. Simply swapping one monopoly for another does not improve the service overall."
During the bidding process, Lime scored slightly higher for quality, but Forest ranked better on pricing, leading to its selection. The council considered options for one or two operators but ultimately deemed Forest's proposal as the best overall.
Looking Ahead
The council is currently finalizing the new contract and plans to work with both operators to ensure a smooth transition. Meanwhile, the petition continues to gain support, reflecting widespread concern over the potential loss of a vital transport option in Richmond.
