Council is proposing to make 177 of these physical bays permanent and is considering expanding the network further through a public consultation.
Westminster City Council is set to make parking bays for hire e-bikes a permanent feature following the success of an 18-month trial aimed at tackling the issue of poorly parked bikes obstructing pavements.
Since 2023, the council has introduced a network of 350 physical and virtual parking bays across Westminster in a bid to reduce the number of abandoned e-bikes creating hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities or visual impairments. Now, the council is proposing to make 177 of these physical bays permanent and is considering expanding the network further through a public consultation.
The surge in dockless e-bike use since 2021 has contributed to a significant increase in cycle journeys across Westminster, with approximately 600,000 rides recorded each month. This has led to numerous benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, and better health outcomes for residents. According to research by CoMoUK, half of bike share users were not regular cyclists before using the scheme, demonstrating the role of e-bike hire in encouraging more sustainable transport choices.
However, alongside these benefits, the rapid increase in usage has also resulted in thousands of complaints regarding bikes being left haphazardly on pavements, creating obstacles for pedestrians. In response, Westminster City Council has taken measures to address the issue, repurposing underused car parking spaces and introducing geo-fenced ‘virtual’ bays where riders must park their e-bikes or risk incurring fines.
“With fines from bike companies for irresponsible parking and the Council’s powers to seize abandoned bikes will help ensure Westminster’s streets remain clear and accessible for everyone.”
Max Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Streets
Currently, users of Lime and Forest e-bikes who end their journeys in Westminster are required to leave their bikes in designated bays, with financial penalties in place for non-compliance. The council has worked closely with these operators to identify suitable locations for parking bays and has lobbied them to increase fines for irresponsible users.
To further ensure compliance, bike hire companies employ teams of ‘rangers’ tasked with monitoring parking bays and relocating improperly parked e-bikes. Additionally, the council has exercised its authority under the Highways Act (1980) to seize bikes that pose an immediate danger to public safety.
Despite these measures, Westminster City Council continues to push for greater regulatory powers to manage dockless bike schemes. The council has been vocal in calling on the government to introduce legislation that would provide local authorities with clearer controls over e-bike hire schemes, welcoming proposals outlined in the English Devolution White Paper.
Councillor Max Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Streets, highlighted the importance of balancing the benefits of e-bike usage with pedestrian safety.
“Cycling is a fantastic way to get around the city, and as a council, we want to make it as easy as possible for residents and visitors to use bikes. However, the rapid expansion of shared e-bike schemes has resulted in too many bikes being left in places that obstruct pavements and inconvenience pedestrians.
“That’s why I’m pleased to confirm that our network of e-bike parking bays will be a permanent feature in Westminster, helping to manage the impact of over 600,000 shared e-bike journeys each month. Combined with fines from bike companies and the council’s authority to remove abandoned bikes, these measures will ensure Westminster’s streets remain clear and accessible for everyone.
“The council also welcomes the Government’s English Devolution White Paper and supports a new regulatory framework that allows local councils to better manage dockless bike hire schemes in their areas.”
In addition to tackling e-bike parking issues, Westminster City Council is expanding secure cycle parking for residents, with plans to install 41 additional cycle hangars by the end of March. These hangars will provide 246 new spaces, allowing more residents to safely store their own bikes. The council is also accelerating the rollout of protected cycle lanes across the borough to encourage safe and sustainable travel.
A formal decision on the proposal to make the e-bike parking bays permanent is expected to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Streets on 28 February.
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