Waverley Council, representing Sydney’s eastern suburbs including Bondi, is urging swift action to tackle increasing issues with shared bikes in the area. Residents have expressed frustrations with bikes being carelessly left on footpaths and ridden at unsafe speeds. Mayor Will Nemesh has declared that the current situation has become intolerable and has warned bike share operators to negotiate new agreements with the council or face immediate measures.
Despite shared bikes primarily being the responsibility of the State Government, local councils can manage unattended bicycles. Mayor Nemesh proposed creating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with bike share companies to enhance their accountability regarding the usage and parking of bikes. He indicated that if a satisfactory agreement isn’t reached within a month, the council will take decisive action.
Nemesh acknowledges that while shared micromobility holds promise for the future, it is crucial to establish a proper framework prioritising community safety. The council aims to introduce regulations defining the maximum number of shared bikes permissible, designated parking spots, and speed limits for riding.
The council’s recent motion includes plans for a six-month bike share parking trial starting in June, which would see designated parking areas established on busy streets and footpaths in locales like Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction, ensuring improved order in these high-traffic areas. Nemesh emphasised that resolving these issues necessitates coordinated efforts from both local and state governments.
Additionally, he called upon the NSW government to initiate a state-operated tender process for bike sharing services, complete with specific operational guidelines. It is recommended that a share of the revenue generated from these services be allocated to local councils, enabling them to invest in infrastructure and enforcement to address these problems effectively.
Share bike usage in Waverley has reportedly surged by 350 per cent from 2021 to 2024, highlighting the urgency of the council’s appeal for better management. This sentiment is echoed by residents on the Gold Coast, who are also advocating for stricter regulations.
In New South Wales, e-bikes are designed to assist riders at speeds up to 25km/h, with strict rules barring petrol-powered bicycles and enforcing helmet usage. Riding e-bikes on footpaths is prohibited, and offenders can be fined. Local authorities are awaiting a response from Transport for NSW regarding these ongoing concerns and requests for action.