Lime Bikes Block Greenwich Foot Tunnel

Dozens of Lime e-bikes have been found discarded and blocking the popular Greenwich foot tunnel, prompting concerns from residents about pedestrian accessibility. Images shared on social media show the e-hire bikes piled up, at times obstructing the tunnel's lifts.

Council's Stance on E-Bike Operators

Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Greenwich Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, stated that e-hire bikes are prohibited in both foot tunnels for safety reasons. He added that operators are expected to enforce these rules, including fining users who leave bikes in the tunnels. The council's operating agreement with Lime requires abandoned bikes to be removed within two hours to prevent obstructions and safety risks.

Councillor O’Byrne Mulligan warned that this is a recurring issue that must be addressed urgently. 'If they fail to do this,' he stated, 'questions will be asked about their suitability to operate in our borough.' The council is also working with neighbouring boroughs to improve safety and accessibility across the river crossings.

Lime's Response and Measures

A Lime spokesperson said that poor parking is taken seriously and that the company communicates clearly in its app that the Greenwich foot tunnel is a no-ride and no-parking zone. Users who break these rules will be fined and banned from using the service. The spokesperson added that Lime's on-street team regularly removes bikes from the tunnel, with most vehicles moved within hours of being reported.

Lime has implemented a 'no-go' zone around the tunnel to prevent users from cycling through the passageway. This measure was introduced after the issue was first reported in 2022. Social media commenters have also pointed to recent issues with the lifts at the North Tower Hamlets end of the tunnel as a contributing factor to bikes being abandoned.