Barnet Conservatives are taking the lead in tackling the growing problem of abandoned dockless e-bikes across the borough after four years of inaction from the Labour administration.
Residents across Barnet, particularly in the south of the borough such as Childs Hill, East Finchley, Finchley Church End, Garden Suburb and Golders Green, have repeatedly raised concerns about bikes being left strewn across pavements, obstructing access for wheelchair users, parents with buggies and elderly residents, while also creating safety hazards on our streets.
Despite these concerns, Labour's Cabinet Member responsible for transport has failed to bring forward any meaningful solution during the last four years. Rather than taking action, the administration has allowed the problem to worsen while residents have been left to navigate cluttered pavements and public spaces.
The Barnet Conservative Group has now developed a practical plan to address the issue immediately. The proposal calls for the Council to make full use of its existing enforcement powers to remove and confiscate obstructive and abandoned bikes, while simultaneously pursuing a Memorandum of Understanding with operators to improve engagement and access to operational data.
The Conservatives are also proposing the introduction of trial docking locations in suitable areas, particularly around transport hubs and wider pavements, to ensure bikes are parked responsibly without reducing parking spaces that residents rely upon.
Cllr Dean Cohen, Chair of the Environment Scrutiny Committee and the Shadow Cabinet member for Environment, said:
"Residents are fed up with seeing abandoned e-bikes dumped across our pavements. They create hazards, block access and make our streets less accessible for everyone.
"Labour's Cabinet Member has had four years to get a grip on this issue and has failed to do so. Residents should not have to wait until Transport for London's licensing scheme arrives in 2028 before action is taken.”
"Barnet Conservatives are stepping up with a practical plan that will see obstructive bikes removed, operators held to account and sensible docking locations trialled. We are leading the conversation and driving forward solutions while Labour continues to sit on its hands."
The Conservative Group believes residents should not have to wait years for action and is calling on the Labour administration to adopt its proposals and begin tackling the e-bike blight immediately. The Group's approach would provide immediate relief for residents while ensuring Barnet is prepared for the introduction of Transport for London's planned London-wide licensing framework.
