Opportunities for residents and visitors to cycle in Haringey will step up a gear under a new bike hire scheme designed to boost options for affordable, active travel.
Last night (19 September), Cabinet approved the implementation of a two-year dockless e-bike hire trial as part of the council’s Streets for People programme following backing in a resident survey. The trial will involve the council entering into a contract with two dockless e-bike providers – Lime and Human Forest - to deliver a ‘Haringey Approach’ to dockless e-bikes.
Due to launch in Autumn 2023, the scheme will make it easier for people to switch to environmentally friendly transport, while also cutting pollution and congestion and improving public health.
Currently, riders in the borough have no choice but to leave their hire bikes anywhere. As part of the Haringey trial, virtual docking stations will be marked out in advance of the launch, giving users a convenient and safe place to park the bikes. Both Lime and Human Forest will be deploying teams in the borough to ensure there is high compliance and to sort problems quickly.
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.
The trial is all about increasing the options and choices people have about the way they get around Haringey. 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 have a scheme that mitigates the challenges faced elsewhere.
E-bikes can break down the barriers that stop some people from cycling, such as fitness and challenging terrain like hills.
As part of the agreement, concessions will be offered to key workers, community groups and people on low income.
The Cabinet report can be read here.
