Shared bike ban, is a shortsighted decision by council

Better Streets Board Director Jeremy Lawrence was on ABC News arguing against Yarra Council’s (Victoria) shortsighted decision to remove shared bikes from the streets of Yarra. 

Jeremy argued that the move risks undermining sustainable transport options across Melbourne.

Speaking on the issue, Jeremy Lawrence said the decision was a "step backwards", arguing that the problem lies not with Lime but with the lack of dedicated parking infrastructure for shared bikes. He said councils have a responsibility to manage road space and should provide designated on-street parking bays for bike-share services, similar to those provided for cars.

Lawrence pointed to growing usage of shared bikes, particularly among younger residents and those seeking affordable alternatives to car ownership. He noted that bike-share programs have proven highly successful in cities such as London, Paris and New York, and said Melbourne should be looking to expand, rather than reduce, these transport options.

Addressing concerns about safety and footpath clutter, Lawrence acknowledged that bikes should not be ridden on footpaths but argued that safer cycling infrastructure is needed to encourage riders to use the road network. He called for more protected bike lanes, lower speed limits and traffic-calming measures to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Lawrence also warned that removing Lime from Yarra could create gaps in Melbourne’s shared-bike network, making it harder for users to travel across municipal boundaries. He suggested the Victorian Government may eventually need to play a larger role in coordinating bike-share services across inner Melbourne.

With Lime expected to be removed from Yarra’s streets, Lawrence believes the next phase of the debate will come from residents who regularly use the service and may push back against its removal.