Cycle and e-scooters scheme aims to tackle 'horrendous congestion' across West Midlands

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) are set to extend the two current ‘micromobility’ contracts, which end in October, for six months to enable a new provider for a combined bike and e-scooter hire to be found.

Bosses also want the new agreement, which would come into effect from April 1 next year, not to rely on public subsidy to keep the schemes going.

The issue was discussed Transport Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday, July 28.

A number of councillors raised concerns about the lack of financial and usage data in a report presented to the committee.

Councillor Leslie Kay added they needed to consider safety too, having witnessed ‘reckless cycling’ in pedestrian areas.

But Councillor Liz Clements, former Birmingham City Council portfolio holder for transport, said she would be against any measures which discouraged cycling.

She said: “I’m a strong supporter of this scheme.

“I’m pleased to see (the report) sets out very clearly how the availability of micromobility schemes serves the policy intentions of the Local Transport Plan and that mode shift we need to see from vehicle journeys, particularly those short journeys of less than two miles being done across the West Midlands conurbation everyday.

“I would be interested to see how the usage of the ebikes compares to the pedal bikes because there is a comment relating to that but no datsa.

“Because of the number of complaints I get from residents in my ward, I have not been a great fan of the e-scooters because I have some safety concerns about them.

“But I’ve come round to them because I’ve been presented with data which showed they were a significant factor in mode shift and a lot of the journeys that are being made on e-scooter would otherwise be done by private car.

“They have a place in the offer. But I share concerns about the lack of a proper regulatory framework for them and I hope the Government moves on that soon rather than just continuing to extend pilot schemes.

“On reckless use of ebikes. Some people may be aware there have been plans mooted within Birmingham for a public spaces protection order.

“But I strongly oppose that because there are already legal powers for dangerous ebikes but actually bikes modified into motorbikes if they have a motor of more than 250 watts.

“Those are illegal and they are regularly being seized by the police.

“I am very much against any measure that will discourage people from cycling, particularly across Birmingham city centre where we have horrendous congestion problems and air quality challenges.

“We need these micromobility schemes available to give people other options than just driving vehicles.”

A final decision on the future of the scheme will be taken by the West Midlands Combined Authority Board later in the year.