Lime Claims New Hammersmith Bridge Cycle Lane Fuelled Cycling Boom

Its data shows crossings doubling since launch

Before the cycle lane opened cyclists had to wheel their bikes across. Picture: H&F Council

August 15, 2025

The reopening of Hammersmith Bridge to cyclists has sparked a dramatic rise in e-bike usage across Hammersmith & Fulham, according to new data from Lime. Since the new cycle lane was opened on the bridge in April, Lime trips across it have more than doubled year-on-year.

Lime reports a 40% increase in trips and a 30% rise in unique riders in July compared to the same month last year across the borough. Popular pickup points include Shepherd’s Bush Station, Parsons Green, and Hammersmith Broadway.

To meet growing demand, Lime says has expanded its infrastructure locally, tripling the number of designated parking bays and increasing its on-street team to manage misparked bikes. The company has also invested in community initiatives, including a grant to Oma Bikes, a local shop offering free maintenance classes.

However, Lime’s success in Hammersmith & Fulham contrasts sharply with its recent expulsion from neighbouring Hounslow. The borough terminated its two-year partnership with Lime following widespread complaints about pavement obstruction, poor parking behaviour, and high rental costs.

Hounslow Council has instead awarded contracts to rival operators Forest and Voi, citing a competitive procurement process shaped by community feedback. The new scheme, which launched this Monday 11 August, promises stricter enforcement, lower prices, and improved accessibility. Forest and Voi will deploy up to 1,000 bikes each and must share anonymised usage and parking data with the council.

Lime expressed disappointment at the decision, arguing its bid offered superior service quality and community benefit.

A Lime spokesperson said, "Despite acknowledging the quality of our service was higher in our bid, Hounslow Council selected another provider because it offered them more money.

"This is a really disappointing outcome for the thousands of Hounslow residents that rely on our bikes daily to connect to other areas of London.

"The number of Lime rides in Hounslow more than doubled over the previous twelve months, and we've seen a massive 95% increase in trips taken during commuting hours in the same period.

"It’s important for councils to prioritise service quality and functionality when selecting operators as otherwise we risk creating unpopular, patchwork schemes that will reduce overall cycling rates.

"We remain dedicated to working with TfL and our 17 local council partners across the capital to ensure all Londoners have access to sustainable modes of transport and to build a more accessible, inclusive and greener city for everyone.”

Lime’s publication of the data may mark concerns that its ability to operate in Hammersmith & Fulham may come under scrutiny. There have been tensions previously between the borough and the company. In 2023, the council seized over 100 Lime bikes following more than 1,500 complaints from residents about pavement obstruction and anti-social parking. The situation escalated when contractors working for Lime reportedly retrieved impounded bikes from a council lock-up without permission, prompting police involvement and the termination of the contractor’s agreement.

The move has reignited debate over the regulation of dockless e-bike schemes in London. TfL began issuing fines in June for abandoned bikes, and several boroughs—including Brent, Camden, and Lewisham—have called for tougher controls. Critics warn that without a city-wide framework, London risks a fragmented system that undermines sustainable transport goals.