Edinburgh cycle hire scheme criticised by Greens over 'teething problems'
Edinburgh's new cycle hire scheme has been criticised by Green councillors over "teething problems".
They claim bikes have been left in inappropriate locations, blocking pavements and taking up existing cycle parking spaces.
And they want the council to host a discussion, bringing together councillors, officials, the scheme's operators and representatives from walking, cycling and access groups to discuss how the problems are addressed.
Edinburgh launched the new cycle hire scheme, run by Voi, in September with a dockless system where users are required to park appropriately at the end of their journey and send a photo, which is checked and can lead to a fine if the parking is judged unsafe.
The scheme, which operates at no cost to the council, began with an initial 50 e-bikes, gradually increasing to 100, then expanding to 340 at the end of October 31, with the boundary extended from the city centre into Leith, Meadowbank and Newhaven. The number of bikes increased again in December and the boundary spread south to include Cameron Toll and Blackford, Roseburn, Bruntsfield, Morningside, Merchiston and Edinburgh University’s King’s Buildings.
Irresponsible parking of the hire bikes was one of the concerns raised when the scheme was proposed, following bad experiences elsewhere. But it is understood there has not been the avalanche of complaints some predicted.
In a motion to this week's meeting of the transport committee, Green councillor Chas Booth says the scheme "has generally been welcomed by users and citizens" and has been "a positive contribution".
But he "notes nonetheless that there have been some teething problems with the scheme, with reports of bikes being left on footways, obstructing pedestrians and disabled people, obstructing existing cycle parking, being blown over by the wind, and more recent reports of users being unable to drop the bikes at their preferred parking spot due to bike congestion".
The motion goes on to call for a briefing for the committee by Voi and council officials within the next two months to discuss the teething problems, with others, including Spokes, Living Streets, the Cockburn Association, Edinburgh Access Panel and members of the Accessibility Commission also invited to attend.
Cllr Booth said: "The Voi cycle hire scheme has had a positive impact on the city, and has been successful in getting more people cycling, but unfortunately there have been some teething issues.
"Bikes parked in inappropriate locations, blocking pavements and taking up existing cycle parking spaces, are just some of the concerns raised.
"For the most part, Voi have been quick to address these concerns, but that is not always the case.
"Green councillors want to see this scheme continue and to ensure these teething issues are addressed, and that's why we've called for a 'round table' with Voi and relevant stakeholders to ensure these concerns are addressed."
Transport convener Stephen Jenkinson said it was important to remember the scheme was a trial.
He said: "The introduction of the cycle hire scheme has been really well-managed and really successful.
"Some teething issues are to be expected with any scheme like this and that's why we have taken an incremental approach and are working closely with Voi to deliver and measure the success of the service over the two year trial.
"Any issues that have been raised have been responded to, as part of the agreement we have with Voi for delivery of the scheme."
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