Lime bikes block Greenwich foot tunnel
Dozens of e-hire bikes have been repeatedly dumped in the pedestrian passageway, causing access issues for residents.
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Dozens of Lime e-hire bikes have been repeatedly found dumped and blocking the Greenwich foot tunnel, a popular pedestrian crossing under the River Thames. Social media posts have shown the bikes piled at one end of the 370-metre passageway, obstructing the lift and raising concerns about accessibility for residents.
Operator response and council action
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Lime has stated that it is taking action against users who abandon bikes in the tunnel. The company claims it fines or bans repeat offenders and has implemented a 'no-go' zone around the tunnel, preventing users from riding or parking there. A Lime spokesperson told MyLondon that the app clearly communicates this policy and that their on-street team removes abandoned bikes, with most moved within hours of being reported.
However, images shared on social media days before MyLondon visited showed the tunnel path almost completely blocked. While the tunnel was clear during the publication's visit, one non-Lime e-bike was found abandoned. Commenters on social media suggested that recent lift outages at the North Tower Hamlets end of the tunnel may have contributed to bikes being left behind.
Council stance on tunnel use
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Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Greenwich Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, described the issue as 'recurring'. He stated that e-hire bikes are prohibited in both foot tunnels for safety reasons, a rule indicated by signage. Councillor Mulligan added that operators are expected to enforce these rules and fine those who leave bikes in tunnels.
The operating agreement with Lime, and an imminent agreement with Forest, requires abandoned bikes to be removed within two hours from both tunnels. Councillor Mulligan warned that if the issue is not addressed urgently, questions will be raised about the operators' suitability to operate in the borough. He also confirmed that Greenwich Council is working with Tower Hamlets and Newham councils to improve the safety, accessibility, and overall experience of the tunnels.
Questions this report answers
+Why are bikes being dumped in the Greenwich foot tunnel?
Dozens of Lime e-hire bikes have been repeatedly dumped in the Greenwich foot tunnel, causing obstructions and blocking access, particularly to the lift. This has led to concerns about pedestrian safety and accessibility for residents using the crossing.
+What is Lime doing about the dumped bikes?
Lime states it fines or bans repeat offenders and has implemented a 'no-go' zone around the tunnel, prohibiting riding and parking. A spokesperson told MyLondon that the app clearly communicates this policy and their team removes abandoned bikes, usually within hours of being reported.
+What is Greenwich Council doing about the issue?
Greenwich Council is working with Tower Hamlets and Newham councils to improve tunnel safety and accessibility. Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan stated that operators are required to remove abandoned bikes within two hours and warned that continued issues could lead to questions about their suitability to operate in the borough.
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