E-bike campaign secures major win

Last November, Siobhain brought together representatives from Forest, Lime, the Metropolitan Police and Merton Council for an E-Bike Summit to tackle growing concerns from local residents.

While shared e-bikes are a quick, affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel, many residents have raised concerns about bikes being left blocking pavements, abandoned in roads, or ridden dangerously on footways.

Following the summit, Siobhain wrote to Forest urging the company to introduce third-party insurance for riders, ensuring that pedestrians injured through rider negligence are not left without compensation.

She is delighted that Forest has now confirmed it will introduce third-party insurance from September, protecting people who are injured and property that is damaged by riders using its e-bikes. The decision follows campaigning to close a significant gap in protection for victims of collisions involving hire bikes.

Forest's new policy will bring it into line with other major shared e-bike operators that already provide third-party liability cover for rider-caused injuries. The announcement follows reporting that highlighted cases where victims of serious collisions had been unable to claim compensation because no such cover was in place.

Commenting, Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP said:

"Shared e-bikes have transformed how many people travel around London, but they must operate in a way that is safe and fair for everyone.

Too many residents have contacted me about dangerous riding and the impact e-bikes can have on pedestrians. Where somebody is injured through no fault of their own, they should not be left without protection.

I welcome Forest's decision to introduce third-party insurance. It is an important step forward that will give greater reassurance to pedestrians while ensuring riders and operators take greater responsibility."