Abandoned E-Bikes obstructing pavements in London. Credit: X: Whari74
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A charity for the blind says abandoned e-bikes are causing a ‘nightmare’ for visually impaired Londoners as the number of bikes is set to quadruple this year.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFBUK) are calling for the installation of designated bike docks to prevent riders from dumping them on London’s pathways.
Sarah Gayton from NFBUK told CityNews: “Bikes on pavements are making journeys unsafe for blind and visually impaired people and we are calling for all e-bikes to be docked and locked”.
Tim and his guide-dog, Alisa.
Tim Utzwig, 25, who attends university in London with his guide-dog, Alisa, said it isn’t uncommon for him to encounter five to ten e-bikes illegally parked together on pavements, and that this is problematic for anybody who is blind or visually impaired.
Mr Utzwig said: “It is impossible to navigate the walk-way that you know when there are bikes everywhere that you are running into.
“When people park their bikes freely whenever they are done riding, it becomes hazardous”.
Lime Bike estimates around 12 million rides have been made using their dockless e-bikes since 2019 with e-bikes in the capital set to increase by 200% by the end of 2024 to meet the city’s net-zero goals.
But without designated docks being put in place, the charity warns that the 200,000 people in London who are blind or visually impaired may be at greater risk.
Abandoned E-Bikes parked illegally in Bunhill Row Credit: X/ Whari74
Reports on X suggest the abandoning of e-bikes is a regular occurrence such as those seen on Bunhill Row in Islington.
According to the Metropolitan Streets Act 1867, depositing goods or other articles on public footways is illegal.
In response Lime bike said: “We expect all Lime riders to respect the rules of the road and the terms of Lime’s User Agreement.
“We take complaints about riders violating traffic rules or engaging in dangerous or illegal activity seriously.”
Whilst there are designated parking bays available for users to leave bikes after completing their rides, more measures must be undertaken to avoid risks NFBUK seeks to protect Londoners from.
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HeadlineCharity warns Abandoned E-bikes pose a risk to visually impaired Londoners
Short HeadlineAbandoned E-Bikes pose risk to visually impaired Londoners
StandfirstThe presence of e-bikes in London could increase by 200% by the end of 2024, raising concerns amongst London's visually impaired.
A charity for the blind says abandoned e-bikes are causing a ‘nightmare’ for visually impaired Londoners as the number of bikes is set to quadruple this year.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFBUK) are calling for the installation of designated bike docks to prevent riders from dumping them on London’s pathways.
Sarah Gayton from NFBUK told CityNews: “Bikes on pavements are making journeys unsafe for blind and visually impaired people and we are calling for all e-bikes to be docked and locked”.
Tim and his guide-dog, Alisa.
Tim Utzwig, 25, who attends university in London with his guide-dog, Alisa, said it isn’t uncommon for him to encounter five to ten e-bikes illegally parked together on pavements, and that this is problematic for anybody who is blind or visually impaired.
Mr Utzwig said: “It is impossible to navigate the walk-way that you know when there are bikes everywhere that you are running into.
“When people park their bikes freely whenever they are done riding, it becomes hazardous”.
Lime Bike estimates around 12 million rides have been made using their dockless e-bikes since 2019 with e-bikes in the capital set to increase by 200% by the end of 2024 to meet the city’s net-zero goals.
But without designated docks being put in place, the charity warns that the 200,000 people in London who are blind or visually impaired may be at greater risk.
Abandoned E-Bikes parked illegally in Bunhill Row Credit: X/ Whari74
Reports on X suggest the abandoning of e-bikes is a regular occurrence such as those seen on Bunhill Row in Islington.
According to the Metropolitan Streets Act 1867, depositing goods or other articles on public footways is illegal.
In response Lime bike said: “We expect all Lime riders to respect the rules of the road and the terms of Lime’s User Agreement.
“We take complaints about riders violating traffic rules or engaging in dangerous or illegal activity seriously.”
Whilst there are designated parking bays available for users to leave bikes after completing their rides, more measures must be undertaken to avoid risks NFBUK seeks to protect Londoners from.
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