Safety concerns spur share bike tough action by Waverley Council

Waverley Council stepped up its campaign for better management of e-bikes by share bike providers to impound bikes from companies that have not signed its MoU. In March, Waverley Mayor Cr Will Nemesh announced that the Council would be impounding share bikes if the providers did not sign onto an MOU within 30 days. Only one provider, Lime, has signed an MoU with the other companies yet to sign onto an agreement.

Mayor Nemesh said improvement of safety infrastructure by providers under the proposed agreement was essential for community safety.

“While share bikes are a State Government responsibility, Council will not stand by and wait for somebody to be injured,” he said. “Impounding bikes that are causing a safety risk will immediately reduce the likelihood of harm to residents and visitors.”

“If share bike operators cannot do business responsibly then they should not be doing business in Waverley.”

Under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, Council can impound share bikes that are obstructing access to public spaces, interfering with public amenities or posing a safety risk.

Between 2021 – 2024 share bikes trips have increased a massive 350% and their insufficient management by providers has left residents having to step over discarded bikes, greatly increasing the risk of injury.

Notes to editor

Once Council notifies a provider of the issue a bike is causing, the provider has three hours to rectify the situation before the bike is impounded. After a bike is impounded the provider has 28 days to claim the bike and pay a fee.