Lime tackles inconsiderate cycle hire parkers with campaign

Lime, one of the world’s largest providers of shared eBikes and scooters, has come in for some criticism of late, following some inconsiderate cycle hire parkers leaving bikes and scooters strewn across pavements after hire sessions.

Unlike many other cycle hire providers, Lime eBikes and scooters do not have to use docks and can be left, in effect, anywhere, making them highly convenient for users. However, some users have taken that feature to an extreme, leaving their rides post-hire in the middle of pavements or worse – which is a pain at least for pedestrians and a fairly serious hazard at worst, not least for the blind and partially sighted. The topic has already caught the attention of politicians and newspapers.

Sight Loss Councils have now partnered with Lime to educate riders on responsible parking. That takes the form of new in-app messaging reminding users to park considerately and avoid obstructing the pavements for blind and partially sighted people. Riders will be encouraged to press an in-app button committing to safe parking for the whole community, and shown examples of the lived experiences of irresponsible parking on people with sight loss.

75% of blind and partially sighted people feel that street safety is the thing that matters most to them, according to the Listening Month campaign run by Sight Loss Councils (funded by Thomas Pocklington trust).

Lucy Williams, Senior Engagement Manager for South England, said: “We’re very pleased to have worked with Lime on this campaign to share the importance of safe parking. Making streets accessible is a priority for all Sight Loss Councils across England. We believe that all blind and partially sighted people should be able to travel and navigate our streets independently and safely. We hope that sharing our lived experience of sight loss with people who ride Lime bikes will improve parking etiquette and ensure the safety of blind and partially sighted pedestrians.”

Manish Kharel, General Manager at Lime in London, said: “At Lime, we’re committed to making sure that our streets are safe for everyone and we are consistently innovating to ensure rider and pedestrian safety. We’re delighted to partner with Sight Loss Councils to educate riders on the dangers and risks of inappropriate parking in our streets. Together, we hope we can drive real impact.”

Harry Meade, South West London Sight Loss Council member, continued: “As a blind person who uses a long cane to get out and about, I’m delighted that Lime and Sight Loss Councils are working together. We want to encourage everyone using e-bikes and scooters to park them safely and out of the way. Working together, we can make the streets safe for everyone.”