Ministers Propose New Powers for Local Authorities to Regulate Hire Bikes

Ministers on Monday unveiled plans to grant new powers to local transport authorities across England, including the ability to regulate bike hire schemes, as part of a broader devolution initiative. In London, where transport powers are already established, this will enable Transport for London (TfL) to implement city-wide regulations. Westminster City Council has expressed its approval of the proposed new law on cycle regulation, stating that “our pavements are at points a dumping ground for abandoned bikes”. Council leader Adam Hug noted that bicycles left on pavements can pose challenges for individuals with visual impairments, wheelchair users, and others with special needs. He remarked: “The e-bike and scooter phenomenon exploded over recent years, to the point where Westminster has the most e-bike journeys in the world, with over 2,800 bikes per hour peddling around our streets per hour at peak times.” Hug added that the failure of previous legislation “left us with a patchwork quilt of different schemes across the capital, and e-bikes don’t navigate by local authority boundaries”. The government’s proposal aims to empower local transport authorities, such as TfL, to regulate “on-street micro mobility schemes (like hire bikes),” allowing local areas to customize these schemes to their needs, enhance public transport connections, and address “the scourge of badly parked cycles and e-cycles.” The government’s white paper, which outlines proposed new laws, highlights that London “led the world with the introduction of integrated ticketing and other city-wide policies” and that the city’s integrated transport powers serve as a model for what they aspire to achieve in other English cities. It further stated: “TfL has transformed customer service through a broad programme including simplified fares, Oyster and contactless ticketing, staff development, investing in new trains and upgrading stations.” The document also noted: “The devolution of responsibilities for the Tube and light rail in London, along with a small number of heavy rail routes and services has been a particular success, having led to greater investment, higher levels of passenger satisfaction, and more frequent and reliable services.”