Hackney Council has teamed up with Lime to offer free cycle training to residents, helping them build confidence and improve their cycling skills. The initiative is part of the borough’s commitment to making cycling safer, more accessible, and sustainable for all.
Hackney residents can now benefit from free cycle training, thanks to a collaboration between Hackney Council and Lime, London’s largest bike-sharing operator. This initiative, funded by Lime and delivered by Cycle Confident, offers up to 750 adults the opportunity to improve their cycling skills and confidence through two-hour, one-to-one or small group sessions.
The training is part of Hackney Council’s broader commitment to enhancing local cycling infrastructure and ensuring residents gain maximum benefit from Lime’s dockless e-bike scheme. These efforts aim to improve rider behaviour and minimise inconvenience caused by improper bike use.
“This free training will help riders feel safe and confident while encouraging considerate cycling.” — Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport
As part of the partnership, the Council and Lime have introduced several measures to address common concerns and promote responsible use:
Discounts for vulnerable groups: Eligible key workers, students, pensioners, and people on benefits can access 50% discounts through the Lime Access programme.
Designated parking bays: Lime users must park bikes in one of 170 designated bays or face fines for non-compliance.
Geo-fencing technology: Lime has implemented parking restrictions and speed limits in parks and busy pedestrian areas to reduce risks and improve safety.
Increased patrols: Lime staff monitor key locations and remove bikes left outside designated bays.
These measures have had a significant impact. Between July and September last year, 92% of the 500,000 monthly e-bike journeys ending in Hackney were parked correctly. To further improve accessibility and reduce improper parking, the Council is working with Lime to add 150 more parking bays across the borough.
Cllr Sarah Young, Hackney’s Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, praised the initiative:
“In Hackney, we’ve worked closely with Lime to ensure e-bikes are a convenient and sustainable way of getting around. This free training will help riders feel safe and confident while encouraging considerate cycling.
“Our partnership with Lime has pioneered solutions to tackle the inconvenience e-bikes can sometimes cause. With their advanced technology, Lime has introduced geo-fenced parking and speed limits, ensuring safer and more organised usage.
“We recognise there’s more to do, which is why we’re adding more parking bays and increasing patrols to address inconsiderate behaviour. Together, we’re making cycling safer, more accessible, and sustainable for everyone in Hackney.”
This initiative highlights Hackney Council’s commitment to promoting sustainable travel, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering a more cycle-friendly borough.
