Charity: lack of E-bike regulation is "major" concern for partially sighted people
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The much-used e-bikes face controversy over their “scattered” whereabouts, and the council believes regulating this would improve safety and accessibility.
Since the introduction of the E-bikes, vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities or visual impairments, have suffered from the disruption the bikes have caused on sidewalks.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust, a charity that advocates for the rights of visually impaired people, has conducted research into how E-bikes impact the accessibility of a city.
A spokesperson said, ”the growth of e-bikes usage with a lack of regulation remains a major street safety concern for blind and partially sighted people.
“Abandoned or poorly parked bikes can create a trip hazard, leading to injury or damage to mobility aids. This impacts on physical health, as well as confidence to travel independently.”
The council has introduced ten bays so far, and are planning to reach 50 bays by summer. Each parking bay can hold up to ten E-bikes.
Their aim is to regulate the use of E-bikes, while still giving people in the borough access to the bikes.
E-bikes parked on pavement. Source: Lucas Van Den Heuvel
Councillor Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, air quality, and transport said, “last year, more than a million trips were taken by hire e-bikes in Islington.
“They directly support our efforts to create a greener, healthier borough by offering environmentally-friendly transport that helps people get active.”
Jack McKenna, Lime senior public affairs manager said, “lime recognises the importance of preventing pavement obstructions.
“It welcomes the use of dedicated parking locations to provide riders with safe and responsible places to leave bikes wherever they cycle.”
However, concerns have been raised that the bays will not be enough. This is because people with disabilities will still suffer from the disturbance E-bikes cause.
Sarah Gayton, campaign organiser for the National Federation of the Blind said the parking bays for E-bikes will not be enough.
“These dockless bikes have actually turned the pavements into a minefield in London.
“Having these bikes everywhere causes stress, frustration, and a dangerous situation on the pavement.
“These bikes can still be knocked over, and it doesn’t stop people to leave them where they want to. The only solution is to get them docked and locked off the pavements.”
Sarah Gayton believes E-bikes should be locked in stations, like Santander bikes. This will make the streets of Islington easier to navigate for people who are visually impaired.
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HeadlineIslington Council introduces parking bays for E-bikes amid local concerns
Short HeadlineNew parking bays for E-bikes introduced in Islington
StandfirstIslington Council has introduced parking bays for hire e-bikes, such as Limes and Forest, in an attempt to make the borough more accessible.
The much-used e-bikes face controversy over their “scattered” whereabouts, and the council believes regulating this would improve safety and accessibility.
Since the introduction of the E-bikes, vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities or visual impairments, have suffered from the disruption the bikes have caused on sidewalks.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust, a charity that advocates for the rights of visually impaired people, has conducted research into how E-bikes impact the accessibility of a city.
A spokesperson said, ”the growth of e-bikes usage with a lack of regulation remains a major street safety concern for blind and partially sighted people.
“Abandoned or poorly parked bikes can create a trip hazard, leading to injury or damage to mobility aids. This impacts on physical health, as well as confidence to travel independently.”
The council has introduced ten bays so far, and are planning to reach 50 bays by summer. Each parking bay can hold up to ten E-bikes.
Their aim is to regulate the use of E-bikes, while still giving people in the borough access to the bikes.
E-bikes parked on pavement. Source: Lucas Van Den Heuvel
Councillor Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, air quality, and transport said, “last year, more than a million trips were taken by hire e-bikes in Islington.
“They directly support our efforts to create a greener, healthier borough by offering environmentally-friendly transport that helps people get active.”
Jack McKenna, Lime senior public affairs manager said, “lime recognises the importance of preventing pavement obstructions.
“It welcomes the use of dedicated parking locations to provide riders with safe and responsible places to leave bikes wherever they cycle.”
However, concerns have been raised that the bays will not be enough. This is because people with disabilities will still suffer from the disturbance E-bikes cause.
Sarah Gayton, campaign organiser for the National Federation of the Blind said the parking bays for E-bikes will not be enough.
“These dockless bikes have actually turned the pavements into a minefield in London.
“Having these bikes everywhere causes stress, frustration, and a dangerous situation on the pavement.
“These bikes can still be knocked over, and it doesn’t stop people to leave them where they want to. The only solution is to get them docked and locked off the pavements.”
Sarah Gayton believes E-bikes should be locked in stations, like Santander bikes. This will make the streets of Islington easier to navigate for people who are visually impaired.
