Councils announce crackdown on oBike share scheme

COULD this be the end of the oBike scourge gripping Melbourne? Three councils this morning have revealed a set of new rules — including impound fines — in a bid to tidy up our streets.

THREE Melbourne councils are cracking down on the operators of the city’s oBikes, with plans to confiscate bikes not parked properly and enforce fines to release any bikes they impound for breaching the new rules.

Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip today announced a set of terms in a bid to improve public safety and tidy up the inner city, where many of the bikes are being dumped in groups and left in trees.

FURTHER READING: 42 BIKES FISHED FROM THE RIVER

FURTHER READING: BIKES PEDAL TO THE SCRAP METAL

FURTHER READING: OBIKES LEFT IN CRAZY PLACES

FURTHER READING: ‘UBER FOR BIKES’ COMES TO THE CITY

The agreement requires oBike Australia to ensure their bikes:

* do not obstruct footpath access;

* are parked upright at all times;

* are not parked on steps, ramps or other areas that provide assistance to

the vision impaired;

* are parked clear of roadside kerbs, and not on traffic islands or against trees, buildings, light poles or street furniture.

The rules also require any dangerously placed oBikes are relocated within two hours.

Any oBikes reported as faulty, damaged or unsafe are to be immediately removed and then repaired.

The operators will also be responsible for moving excessive numbers of oBikes left at a single location within 24 hours.

The councils will impound any bikes breaching the rules.

The operators will have to pay a $50 fee for the bikes to be released.

The crackdown comes just a day after at least a dozen oBikes were fished from the Yarra, the second major clean-up in three weeks.

Spokesman for oBike Australia Chethan Rangaswamy said the company wanted to ensure the convenience and safety for the public.

“oBike is committed to working with the city councils to help nurture and build an active city that supports walking and cycling as part of Victorian’s daily commute,” he said.

The councils also called on the state government to give them more regulatory powers.

Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz welcomed the moves by councils to use their existing powers to ensure that share bike operators were accountable.

“We’ll continue to work with local councils to ensure they have the powers they need to manage the challenges posed by this emerging industry,’’ Ms Kairouz said.

“We have always said that while we welcome innovation and efforts to get more people on bikes — any operators in this space must comply with local laws and meet community expectations.”

Last week the Herald Sun revealed that three other bike share operators — Mobike, Ofo and Reddy Go — were in talks with the City of Melbourne about setting up in the city.

Melbourne councillor Nicolas Frances Gilley said cycling was great for health and helped reduce

traffic congestion.

“The safety of all city users shouldn’t be compromised in the process,” he said.

“The signing of the MOU is a step in the right direction for sustainable transport options like oBike and a safer, clutter-free environment for bike users and pedestrians.

“It means oBike and the three municipal councils are on the same page when it comes to expectations, roles and responsibilities.”

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@IanRoyall