Lime apologises to blind couple over bike-blocked pavement

A spokesperson for Lime said they were sorry about the issues caused for the couple.

“We acted fast to remove any bikes in Penge when alerted, and have tightened our geofencing to avoid this becoming a regular occurrence.”

Bromley Council welcomed the correction to the app but warned it would take tough action if the problem recurred.

Simon Fawthrop, executive member for transport and highways, said the council had long-held misgivings about bikes that are “strewn across pavements causing multiple hazards”.

He warned the council would take action to remove the Lime bikes and then charge Lime for the cost.

Mike Wordingham, from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), said the incident highlighted a broader issue for disabled pedestrians in London.

He said research by the sight loss charity found 81% of blind and partially-sighted respondents said bikes and e-scooters left on pavements made their journeys harder, and 11% said the issue stopped them going out altogether.

Liam Conlon, the MP for Beckenham and Penge, said there needed to be proper contracts in place to ensure e-bike firms behaved in a responsible way.

He called for more designated parking zones and time limits for firms to remove e-bikes and scooters causing a nuisance.

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