Purpose

This report seeks approval of the extension to the current
contracts for Dockless Bike Hire (DBH) services, for a period of
one year from May 2025. The contracts are with two operators: Lime
Technology Ltd (Lime) and Human Forest Limited (Forest). The
proposed extension of these contracts would result in these modes
of shared transport continuing to be available to our residents and
visitors to the borough to access jobs, education, green spaces and
leisure facilities. The value of these services is evidenced by the
significant and growing number of users and trips being experienced
by both hire operators.
 
While there are negative externalities arising from the
service, most notably with respect of parking compliance and impact
on the public realm, this report discusses this issue, mitigations
and considerations as part of the recommendation to increase the
contracts by a further year.
 
In addition the contracts secure revenue from each
operator which is used, alongside other funding sources, by the
Council to (i) manage the DBH contract, (ii) further develop and
maintain the DBH parking bay network, and (iii) further roll out of
Safe and Healthy Streets schemes, and “complementary
measures” activities, that encourage more cycling, more often
and more safely in the Borough, including via dockless bike hire.
The contracts commenced in May 2023 for 2 years, with the option of
2 additional years (on a “+ 1 + 1” arrangement) to May
2027.
 
The contract extension report is being presented to the
Director of Environment and Sustainability for approval in line
with Contract Standing Orders.

Content

That having considered the performance of the contract so far,
the role played by the dockless bike hire scheme in relation to
borough policies of encouraging lower polluting modes of travel,
the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) (Appendix 1), and subject to
compliance with relevant statutory requirements, the Director of
Environment and Sustainability is asked to approve the extension of
the dockless bike hire contracts between Camden Council and Lime
Technology Ltd and Human Forest Limited to operate within the
borough for a period of 1 further year from May 2025 to May
2026.