A London borough is facing backlash after deciding to ban Lime bikes.
Riders will soon be unable to hire or park them in Richmond upon Thames, after the council agreed a switch to rival operator Forest.
The rollout began yesterday, with 1,500 Forest bikes expected on the streets this week.
The council says the switch will mean more bikes and better connectivity, as Forest already runs in neighbouring Kingston and Hounslow.
Lib Dem council leader Gareth Roberts said Forest would bring ‘lower prices, more bikes and a service designed around what people told us they wanted’.
Lime has been the borough’s sole operator for five years, and more than 1,800 people have now signed a petition urging a rethink.
The petition, hosted on Change.org, says: ‘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.’
Instead, the petition calls on the council to allow multiple companies to operate in the area.
The council consulted with residents on Richmond’s new e-bike policy as it considered contenders for a new contract last year.
Council officers drew up a report evaluating each provider’s offering, with Forest coming out with the ‘best overall proposal’.
Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann said: ‘Residents were clear: they wanted better value, better management, and more bikes available when and where they need them. We listened and acted.
‘From [Monday], Richmond residents can see the difference for themselves. Forest offers some of the most affordable e-bike hire in London, with £1 introductory rides, free minutes for short journeys, and improved parking arrangements that support both riders and local communities.’
What happens if you try to ride a Lime bike to Richmond?
Under the new scheme, you will no longer be able to start or end a Lime journey in Richmond.
In practice, riders can still cycle through the borough if their journey starts and ends elsewhere, but the app will prompt them to park outside Richmond.
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