Islington Council is set to significantly increase the number of designated bays for dockless hire bikes across the borough, aiming for approximately 360 to 370 bays in total. This expansion is part of a move towards a mandatory bay parking system, confirmed by Councillor Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, during a council meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The phased rollout of additional bays is planned, with further phases expected later this summer and early next year, all subject to public consultation. The council is guided by data to respond to changing patterns and will continue to review capacity to ensure bays are strategically located. This approach aims to address concerns about bikes obstructing pavements and to make the service more convenient and accessible for residents.
Councillor Champion acknowledged the need to improve both the density and affordability of the current bay system. Currently, Islington has over 280 dedicated bays, with plans to add approximately 45 and 50 more in the upcoming phases. The council is also implementing parking controls, including exclusion zones around sensitive locations or areas that have experienced past issues, to prevent bikes from being left on pavements. Riders are expected to end their journeys within 100 metres of a designated bay.
During the meeting, Councillor Giulio Ferrini raised concerns about the cost of using these services, noting a significant price disparity compared to neighbouring boroughs. He highlighted that while a journey under 25 minutes in Hackney and Lambeth costs £1.75, the same journey in Islington is priced at £8.30. Councillor Champion acknowledged this point, stating that affordability is a key interest for many boroughs and that she would take the matter back for further discussion.
The council's strategy for managing the increased number of bikes and bays involves an adaptive approach, guided by data to respond to changing usage patterns. Councillor Champion acknowledged that the council doesn't always get the placement of bays right the first time, indicating a commitment to ongoing review and adjustment to ensure optimal capacity and utilization across different neighbourhoods. While the phased rollout is data-driven, specific criteria for equitable distribution across varying population densities and needs are still being refined.
The timeline for the public consultation process regarding the additional bays is tied to the planned rollout phases, with the next two phases scheduled for later this summer and then early next year. The full details of the council's plans can be found in the Public reports pack.
