Lime bike usage 'skyrockets' in Haringey

The dockless e-bike hire company reports that rentals in the borough have risen 145% in just one year

A Lime Bike in London — A Lime bike in London

New data from Lime show rentals of the company’s e-bikes have “skyrocketed in popularity” in Haringey over the past year.

The company reports that total trips taken in the borough increased by 145% year-on-year in April.

Much of the growth in popularity is fueled by commuters, with Lime bike trips during commuting hours rising by a whopping 383%. The top locations where Haringey locals pick up Lime bikes include Wood Green, Turnpike Lane, and Hornsey.

However, the expansion in the borough has also come with considerable controversy as the bikes are often dumped on pavements with little consideration for vulnerable people such the elderly, disabled and those with vision impairments in particular.

Earlier this year, Haringey Council announced it would take “strong action” to control “problematic parking” of e-bikes in the borough, with more dedicated bays being provided and fines issued for those breaching the rules.

More than a third (36%) of North Londoners now say they use a rental e-bike at least once a month, with 33% starting to cycle more since rental e-bikes became available in London, according to Lime.

To meet this increased demand, Lime has created more than 100 parking bays in the borough’s busiest areas. Lime has also boosted its on-street team in Haringey, ensuring miss-parked bikes are “promptly removed or repositioned”.

Lime is one of two private e-bike operators in Haringey, along with Forest.

Alice Pleasant, senior public affairs manager at Lime, said: “We’ve seen a huge uptake from Haringey residents since we launched in 2020, and this year more people than ever are using Lime to get around, as shown by our data. Due to this surge in popularity of Lime in the area, we’ve increased our parking patrol in Haringey to help make sure that parking bays and e-bikes remain tidy within the community.

“We’re committed to ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, carbon-free transport and will continue to work collaboratively with Haringey Council so that local residents can get around easily and safely”.

Lime has also made a series of investments to support the local community in Haringey with over £12,000 worth of grants to community groups based in, or active within Haringey, including Cycle Sisters and Leaside Pedal Power Cycling Club.

On top of this, Lime’s North London warehouse in Tottenham was opened last year, providing more than 100 jobs.

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