TfL asks Government for new powers to tackle e-bike parking issues

Transport for London (TfL) is asking the Government for increased powers to tackle e-bike parking issues on London's roads and pavements. Dockless e-bikes, which don't need to be parked in bays, can cause serious problems for pedestrians when parked on pavements.

It's a particular issue for disabled and elderly people, who require more space on the pavements. Recently, Katie Pennick, a wheelchair user and student in London, took to X to share videos of dozens of e-bikes blocking her way to her university lecture.

As part of a new approach to managing e-bike and e-scooter parking, TfL has said they are raising with the government the potential for new powers for strategic transport authorities to regulate and manage dockless e-bike parking. The nature of these powers, and exactly who will be allowed to use them, is not yet known.

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The new policy says that TfL will consider taking action against operators who allow their bikes to be parked outside of designated places on red routes and on TfL land, which includes station forecourts and bus garages. However, TfL says that operators are ultimately responsible for ensuring their bikes are deployed and parked bikes appropriately.

The focus will start in the most problematic areas with large numbers of badly parked bikes, and enforcement action will be targeted towards operators who do not make sure parking rules are complied with. TfL will also be working closely with London’s councils to improve parking compliance.

Almost £1 million has been allocated this year to various London boroughs to fund 7,500 new parking spaces, TfL has said. On red routes, TfL plans to deliver at least 800 spaces by next summer and is targeting a network of 3,000 spaces by the end of 2026.

Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: “Dockless e-bikes play an important role in encouraging more people to choose sustainable modes of transport when travelling around the capital, but we know that poor e-bike parking can cause significant safety issues for some Londoners, particularly disabled and older people. In some instances they have become obstacles for pedestrians, particularly in busy parts of the capital.

“The Mayor’s million-pound investment into additional parking spaces, in conjunction with this scheme to ensure that vehicles are parked responsibly, will make London safer and more accessible for everyone. I look forward to working with councils, as well as e-bike operators on these improvements."

Clive Wood, from the charity Guide Dogs, said: “We welcome TfL’s updated enforcement policy for dockless e-bikes and e-scooters. For blind and partially sighted people having pavements that are clear of clutter, including poorly parked rental mobility vehicles, is vital to be able to get from A to B across the capital independently and with confidence.

"We have heard from many vision impaired people in London that they have to try and navigate around inconsiderately parked rental e-scooter and e-bikes on a regular basis. An experience I can recognise. Introducing additional parking spaces will help to tackle the increasingly frustrating issue. I hope operators will work with TfL to ensure the updated policy makes a difference”.

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