Forum Topic

Ebike bays

No doubt the council has fully consulted the residents of the roads affected by these plans. We wouldn’t want to think that the changes are being imposed in an entirely undemocratic way. No doubt the deal with the Ebike company is a nice little earner for Hounslow.

Simon Hayes ● 716d43 Comments

‘It's true that we are responding to some concerns that some bikes were (and are) occasionally being left in places that inconvenience pedestrians, especially those who are disabled.‘What drivel. You aren’t actually doing anything other than to hand over portions of road space to a commercial enterprise in the vague hope that the users of these bikes will comply with the notion of parking the bikes in said bats. David Giles has posted a host of pictures on the Brentford Friends Facebook page illustrating why the scheme doesn’t work. Bikes abandoned on junctions, on pavements, all over the place. On Saturday someone left a bike on the pavement opposite the clearly marked and expensively installed bay there. You can try and dictate to people but it ain’t going to work for most.

Simon Hayes ● 686d

Eric : as per my posting on th 19th MayI did email the Editor and promptly received an acknowledgement.It just said that the matter was to be considered.10-15 years ago this Forum was so busy and interesting.  Just type in 2007 or whatever into the SEARCH BOX and you'll see what I mean. I miss those days on here.

Jim Lawes ● 686d

I can't legally take photographs while driving but there were five Lime bikes dumped (four laying on their side) between Brentford station and Boston Manor station this morning.

N V Brooks ● 686d

Well GuyYou know my objection to these bays. Why should we pay to clear up the problems caused by a private company who are making profits from hiring these bikes. I also note Hounslow is providing 300 bays for electric bike hire so who is paying for these charging points ?May I also ask as it is now costing car owners £84.00 for a petrol car with a further £62.50 if the car is diesel and given the fact that you are reducing the already limited parking spaces to accommodate a private company is it not time that residents are asked again if they want a CPZ in their streets, as they are now being asked to pay these exorbitant parking charges as well as foot the bill for a private company's parking spaces.I don't remember seeing these points in our CPZ consultation

Robert Ayres ● 686d

I'm a bit puzzled that agreeing arrangements about where commercial rental bicycles should be left amount to a 1970- style class war!It's true that we are responding to some concerns that some bikes were (and are) occasionally being left in places that inconvenience pedestrians, especially those who are disabled.

Guy Lambert ● 686d

I think it's great that people with different viewpoints can express them freely on this forum. E-bikes and scooters are quite rightly controversial. But I just read the Forum Code of Conduct. It is very clear; you must agree (when posting) to "treat each other with mutual respect". There is one poster who seems not to be aware of the rules and keeps indulging in personal abuse and invective. The code of conduct says such behaviour should be reported to info@neighbournet.com - I will do that now, in the hope that our forum can become a kinder place in future.

Eric Baker ● 686d

Please look to the 9th post from the top

David Squire ● 687d

Myself and four neighbours had a running battle with 7 youngsters trying to ride the bikes. The four bikes were placed in the bay over night and when the kids,(And they are kids tried to move them and some locked they just left them in the road or across the pavement.Some got them moving and you can hear the clanking but the abuse we got from children was awful. I told my neighbours it wasn't worth the trouble arguing as later we might get a brick through the window. It's not even the police's problem they don't come out for break ins so wont for some stroppy kid on a bike. It's been a week and a bloody nightmare.

David Squire ● 687d

The answer, Anne, would be any group except those currently in office. This group assume they will never be unseated and so have no incentive to listen to local needs, but instead impose policies based on dogma and party policy often against the clear and strong opposition of the electorate - we've seen countless examples raised in this forum. In our ward, the Labour party received about half of the votes cast on a 36% turnout - this is hardy a convincing mandate. Whilst I'm not questioning the result, it's clear that most eligible voters did not vote for Lambert and Parizotto. We need fresh crop of councilors who are genuinely accountable to all Brentford residents, not this tired old group who, based on Lamberts postings, are still fighting some 1970s style class war where they see all the middle class as the enemy.

Graham Thorpe ● 703d

'we can finally replace these people with councillors that truly listen and represent us' - who might these councillors be and exactly who/what group is the 'us' that they would be representing?

Anne England ● 703d

If they listened they might actually get things right.

Raymond Havelock ● 703d

Coming to this thread a bit late – so probably no-one will read this. I would echo Raymond’s points and hope that Simon can restrain himself on the insults and stick to the issues. It is clear that LBH and specifically Guy Lambert are doggedly sticking to a policy of prioritising cyclists over motorists and pedestrians and are prepared to lie and ignore massive opposition to impose their plans – clearly they ignored the consultations on the LTNs and will do the same on cycle bays. It should surprise no-one when these “experimental” bays become permanent regardless of local views. We can expect many further restrictions on driving and parking from this dishonest and unrepresentative council until we can finally replace these people with councillors that truly listen and represent us.

Graham Thorpe ● 703d

Hi GuyCan you tell us who is paying for these works ? as surely it's not the residents paying to clear up a problem caused by a private company.Also can you explain why no consultation or advance warning was given to the residents of the affected streets.

Robert Ayres ● 708d

Simon, You make good points and do expose the hypocrisy which is often verifiable.But we are supposed to be a civil society. That does not mean being nice to everyone but there is a line.And it does in a way, taint and neutralise very valid points and arguments. Far better to disagree on what is said or actioned and highlight the double standards, to expose the done deals behind closed doors and in buried missives but not to drop down to the level of such exponents of such double standards and political clandestine behaviour.I've been to many gatherings of politicians a decade or so ago and know that what they say in their covens is far more offensive than anything put on this forum and the contempt for the great unwashed is often shocking from people you would never expect it from.But I do ask that you keep civil and make your points as amicably as possible. That does not mean criticise but not be personal in insulting.  Leave that to themselves and what they say about their fellow members.It can be frustrating with politicians who only listen to themselves or their kind but some at least engage. More than can be said for a great many who are sly and silent operators.

Raymond Havelock ● 709d

Well done, Jim. What was the ‘line’ that was crossed?Nothing untrue I’m my post. Lambert says something, nobody allowed to disagree? There’s no alternative political view on this website.

Simon Hayes ● 709d

editor@ brentfordtw8 now emailed.

Jim Lawes ● 709d

I agree with Eric and others.Mr Simon Hayes crossed the line in his latest posting. Very unpleasant stuff to read in my view...my having been around for some 20 years on these Forums.His unpleasant style of writing is incompatible with what we're used to.He should be banned.I will suggest that to the Editor

Jim Lawes ● 709d

Ooh, the Guy Lambert fan club is out in force.Perhaps I should just refer to him as a liar instead. As has been remarked elsewhere ‘experimental’ should be read as ‘will be made permanent’ in Hounslow, as with other Labour run boroughs. Resident opinion is simply ignored unless it corresponds with the policy, hence Swyncombe closure is fine after a consultation in favour, yet consultation results against LTN imposition are ignored. Even dim cycling types might understand the double standard at play.If Lambert is serious about traffic problems and encouraging behaviour change then he wouldn’t boast about his new car on his wonderful blog. He’d set an example and have no car at all. I’m sure he could manage.

Simon Hayes ● 710d

I can't remember ever seeing such dogged, aggressive trolling as by Mr Hayes on this thread. Maybe he'd stand out a lot less if he moved to the sad, vicious wreckage of Musk's Twitter. It really is time for some strict moderation action on this Forum, preferably involving the deletion of hostile outbursts and the banning of repeat offenders. PS: my bike has no motor.

Eric Baker ● 710d

Some very valid points there Raymond.I know that Experimental in LBH speak means permanent as with LTNs

Elizabeth Price ● 710d

.... and the Code of Conduct on this Forum is ....?

Jim Lawes ● 710d

Weight is the issue. If the cap fits....Perhaps your chum might like to prove that active travel really does have health benefits, rather than it being a case of fo as I say, not what I do. Less curry and beer and more walking and cycling. He could even ditch the new car as he almost certainly has a Freedom Pass and could use public transport. He’s not a great role model or advocate.Obesity costs the NHS £6billion a year.

Simon Hayes ● 710d

Yes, it describes something with a bit of alliteration thrown in. The question is whether it is relevant, worth repeating or adds weight (oops!) to your comment.

Anne England ● 710d

It’s a descriptive phrase.You don’t like it? Don’t read it. And what are you, his girlfriend?

Simon Hayes ● 710d

Oh dear, it's back to the personal insults for Simon.

Anne England ● 710d

What mega minds like Lardy Lambert and his fellow political geniuses seem to think is that bad things simply can’t happen in their soon to be realised utopia. No crime, no accidents, no swearing, just everyone behaving in the way our lords and master’s decree.Then when reality arrives and the accidents involving ebikes start there will be the usual hand wringing angst but absolutely nothing done about it.

Simon Hayes ● 710d

Horrible to hear that happened to you.At least the car carries a registration plate and the driver presumably stopped and left all credentials etc. Plenty of means to identify if they don't stop but even if they do and are uncooperative.But insurance companies let down both parties far too often. The insured will probably get a huge increase in premium even if he/she has protected no claims. If the driver was driving illegally i.e. under influence of alcohol or drugs etc. then that's very likely and very , very costly on top of the legal punishments.But insurers will also stall payouts, and use many means to avoid a proper payout or sanction repairs to damage. Even writing off perfectly good cars for nothing more than a dented door.They know that a great many will not pursue - unless it's life changing or losing a vehicle is livelihood changing.Problem with the bikes is that insurance is void if the bike is hired by a minor or simply doctored to use or it cannot be discerned as to the identity of the rider who may not have been the hirer.So far both claims it has not been possible to identify the riders. Even though very clear pictures exist.  One tell tale are riders who completely mask their faces and wear non descript clothing.It appears that the abuse of the system is common but does need to be fully addressed or what we see daily in Ealing will simply spread into Brentford and beyond.

Raymond Havelock ● 711d

Still tricky to find spaces especially when all the council workers are there in their trucks and vans all over the place.I am disappointed we were not consulted and a precious space has now been taken in Netley Rd, but if it really does remove bikes strewn all over the place then maybe it will be worth it. We'll wait and see I guess

Jane Ansell ● 712d

I was knocked off my bicycle in September 2021 by a doctor driving a Smart car. I broke one wrist and one elbow. He was prosecuted, heavily fined and had 6 points on his licence. I am still waiting for my claim to be settled though that is probably as much to do with slowness from myself and my solicitor!

Guy Lambert ● 712d

Thank you for your kind offer. But both are in Ealing. It is a shame as no Ealing Councillor or official has responded at all to the claimants and both need help. I have not made a claim but I am a witness in an ongoing claim and have been kept up to date on this ( now in month 9 ) and, as a consequence another elderly person with another claim as it's beyond their means to do it alone.  Both are in Ealing and both with Lime.That's why I raised the questions as clearly it's a wall of non co-operation from both LBE and the operator.And you said it yourself, claims even with witnesses can be very, very difficult in the hope that most give up or don't bother.I very much hope this has all been thoroughly discussed with potential operators and clear in writing just where residents and bystanders stand should they be unfortunate enough to be a victim.

Raymond Havelock ● 712d

Have you made a claim, Raymond? If so I will happily follow it through.The cycle provider I know will be involved is Lime and they say "This safety track record resulted in 99.99% of trips ending without a reported incident last year, but we always strive to ensure every ride ends safely."Whilst I've had one message complaining about a couple of bikes left in stupid places (and I've seen one or two) I have not heard of any injuries caused by a Lime bike in Brentford (or Hounslow borough for that matter).Lime also provide insurance both for users and any third party, though of course claiming from insurers is rarelt straightforward. By the way, the plan is to have two different cycle providers working in Hounslow but I don't at this stage know who the second supplier will be.

Guy Lambert ● 713d

'The parklets initiative is still there but I don't think there have been any takers.'Blimey, I am soooooo shocked - not! Similarly with these e bike bays, will be looking forward to the comments of the poor sods who get one outside their house! Won't it be lovely to come out in the morning and find a pile of these things to trip over?

Vanessa Smith ● 713d

So it's what is not mentioned that is of most concern.How will riders or hirers be policed?Will safety equipment be required?  Is insurance void if not?How will the ability to ride safely and in accordance with the High way code or basic road sense be enforced?How do young kids manage to be riding both E Bikes and E scooters when an age regulation exists?  And it is extremely common.How can residents who have property damaged (either vehicles, structural or physical)  make a claim without affecting their premiums or having to claim on their own insurance?Who has liability if you trip, fall or are injured by these machines either in the street as it is or in the vicinity of these new bays?Currently it is near impossible to make any sort of claim including injury as all the operators are as slippery as Eels with all sorts of impossible requirements. They simply refer to the local authority or TfL who simply refer back to the operators.  No-one accepts liability or responsibility.  Most times it's because the device has been hired fraudulently and the user cannot be identified?So far none of these have been answered by TfL. It it were a taxed, tested and insured motor vehicle every aspect is fully addressed.

Raymond Havelock ● 713d

Yes, in principle, but I doubt it will be instant. My understanding is that the providers only stop charging when bikes are parked outside an official bay. But certainly Lime (I haven't used any others) have a grace period to allow people to go in a shop etc without being penalised. From memory you only get a few minutes.

Guy Lambert ● 715d

Yes, that's the idea.

Guy Lambert ● 715d

Does this mean that any e-bikes abandoned other than in a bay will be cleared away, either by the company or by the council as fly-tipping?

Peter Evans ● 716d

Does this mean that any e-bikes abandoned other than in a bay will be cleared away, either by the company or by the council as fly-tipping?

Peter Evans ● 716d

Oh yes, ‘experimental’ is interchangeable with ‘trial’. If the council wants it, the council does it.Really your answers are so mealy mouthed, Lambert, it’s a wonder you can even get them out.As your colleagues, particularly the council leader, are proving the idea of democracy is dead in Hounslow.

Simon Hayes ● 716d

Note, these are experimental. If a bay doesn't work we will be relocating them.

Guy Lambert ● 716d

The parklets initiative is still there but I don't think there have been any takers.It is a London wide proposal to facilitate rental e-bikes and e-scooters, but Hounslow are not taking e-scooters, at least for now.At present I am getting quite a few complaints about bikes being left in places that inconvenience pedestrians. The point of creating specific bays to leave them it is intended to limit any such inconvenience (though it is less convenient for potential or actual bike users)Hereto, it's been easy to get a bike very locally (there are usually one or two on Ferry Quays, or in Sump Alley or the High Street near that). I am a very rare user of rental bikes (eg when I left my car to be fixed at the garage and went back to collect it later) and now the nearest for me will be either outside McDonalds or in The Butts. We have to balance that the convenience for users is to have them very local, and competing concerns that if you put them on a street it will inconvenience people who want to park there. Most are on wide pavements (eg outside McDonalds, Butts, on the corner at Upper Butts) but some are on streets. Most can afford losing a parking space but some are under pressure (Haverfield always was when the CPZ was introduced - not sure how it is now)

Guy Lambert ● 716d

Apparently these things are going to be all over the borough eventually, but when it comes to bikes there doesn't seem to be any thought given to anyone else. You should know by now that if you drive a car you are the enemy. By the way what happened to the brainwave about 'parklets'?

Vanessa Smith ● 716d

Right opposite where live a much needed residents parking bay will be lost. Until I received notice yesterday I had no idea this was happening.

David Squire ● 716d

Again Brentford is being put upon by Council. Could the link between this scheme be a well known Councillor who rides bikes.

Neil Chippendale ● 716d