Bike backlash: Southport resident fed up with scheme

A Southport man is calling for a crackdown on e-bikes, saying electric scooters are a far better mode of transport. DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BIKES? VOTE IN OUR POLL

A SOUTHPORT resident wants a crackdown on the number of e-bikes being dumped on streets and footpaths.

Lime was given the green light to operate 750 “electronically assisted” bikes across the Coast in December.

But Southport’s Michael Black said they were a bad look for the Glitter Strip when dumped “in the most inappropriate places”.

The bikes have been seen in waterways, trees and on top of a roundabout.

Southport residents are fed up with Lime e-bikes being dumped on streets. Southport resident Michael Black pictured in Como Crescent Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Black said they were a safety hazard when left in the middle of driveways, entrances and footpaths.

“Some elderly people have had the bikes in front of their driveways and they have to physically remove them,” he said.

“The bikes are everywhere and so many people are unhappy about it.

“I would much prefer to see those scooters have a trial instead of the bikes.

“This is the second time we’ve had the bikes and the same thing keeps happening.”

Lime e-bikes dumped on a Southport street.

Mr Black said he reported the incidents to Lime, but never received a response.

Rather than only being able to access bikes from designated locations, the scheme allows people to borrow a bike wherever one is available, and ride it to the desired destination without the need to return it to a docking station.

However, Mr Black said docking stations should be introduced to keep Coast streets looking tidy.

Lime Australia general manager Hugo Burt-Morris said it would continue to work with the council and residents to address any concerns.

“At Lime we are always working with residents and local governments to address complaints and ensure the best bike-share experience possible for riders and non-riders alike,” Mr Burt-Morris said.

“Our local team works non-stop to rebalance bikes to and from high-use areas, we incentivise proper parking through incentive programs, and we fine riders who park in ways that obstruct footpaths or other parts of the public thoroughfare.”

A Lime e-bike on a Southport street. Picture: Melanie Whiting

A council spokeswoman said the City had received less than 50 complaints about the Lime e-bike scheme since it launched.

“Complaints are primarily related to where bikes are placed. As part of its contract with the City, Lime is responsible for actioning customer queries and complaints,” she said.

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