Share bikes are an affordable, clean and healthy form of transport that can help reduce traffic and public transport congestion. But their increased popularity is presenting challenges for the public domain with many complaining that bikes are cluttering and obstructing access to footpaths. Councils have limited powers to address the problem – they can only deal with bikes by impounding any left unattended for more than seven days, which is neither useful in the share bike model nor an appropriate solution for a sustainable transport option.

The City of Sydney is trialling designated parking areas but we need a coordinated regulatory framework across the metropolitan area to ensure rules are consistent for users and providers. I asked the government to investigate regulations through the Point to Point Transport Commissioner.  

There is now a parliamentary inquiry into e-bikes, e-scooters and related mobility options that will provide an opportunity to look at share bike regulation. The inquiry is taking submissions and I encourage you to provide feedback > HERE.