Opportunities for residents and visitors to cycle in Haringey just stepped up a gear with the launch of the borough’s first dockless electric bike hire scheme.
The council is partnering with e-bike industry leaders Lime and Forest for the 18-month trial to boost options for affordable, active travel around Haringey.
Backed by residents in a survey, the Streets for People scheme will make it easier for people to switch to environmentally friendly transport, while also cutting pollution and congestion and improving public health.
To support the trial, more than 60 designated marked and virtual bays have been created, giving users a convenient and safe place to park the bikes.
Both Lime and Forest will be deploying teams in the borough to ensure there is high compliance. The launch of the scheme will help regulate the currently unauthorised use of e-bikes in the borough.
Cllr Mike Hakata, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, said: “Cycling has so many benefits, from supporting residents’ health and wellbeing to reducing traffic and improving air quality.
“I’m delighted we are launching this trial, which will increase the options and choices for people to get around the borough. It will make cycling convenient, affordable and truly accessible for residents and visitors.
“An important part of our Streets for People programme, we want to get this right. We have listened carefully to feedback and will continue to do so, ensuring we work closely with the providers to successfully deliver the trial.”
Alex Berwin, Forest’s Head of Policy, said: “We are thrilled to be joining Haringey in launching our sustainable and affordable dockless e-bike service in the borough for the first time.
“Haringey’s residents, visitors and businesses will now benefit from 10 minutes of free cycling on Forest e-bikes every day, making us the most affordable dockless e-bike operator in London.
“With 25% of Haringey made up of parks, woodland and green space, this London borough has the potential to be one of London’s greenest spaces. We’re looking forward to helping make that a reality!”
Fiona Duenyas, Public Affairs Manager at Lime said: “We are excited to be working with Haringey Council to formalise our service in the borough and introduce new parking rules.
“This agreement will see more residents and visitors be able to access bikes via agreed deployment locations and will provide riders with marked parking bays to leave vehicles in high footfall areas.
“This will improve the experience of our service for users and non-users and help Haringey to deliver on its ambitious active and sustainable travel objectives.”
The council added: “E-bikes can break down the barriers that stop some people from cycling, such as fitness and challenging terrain like hills. The bikes will be available via each providers app.”
