The phased withdrawal of Lime bikes from Richmond borough has entered its final phase of transition with full changeover starting today (Friday, 26 June).

This transition follows the Council's decision earlier this year, to appoint Forest as Richmond's sole e-bike operator in a £3million deal.

Since Tuesday 23 June Lime has restricted parking in Richmond upon Thames, preventing users from ending journeys within the borough.

From 12.01am today, riders are no longer able to start journeys on Lime bikes in the borough, marking the final stage of the transition to Forest.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council and Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: "This Council has worked hard with both Forest and Lime to ensure an orderly and well-executed transition, with residents already taking advantage of the new service.

"This change is about supporting and growing this key active travel service for residents – with better value, improved compliance and a service that works seamlessly across borough boundaries."

According to the council, there are no restrictions on riding Lime or any other operator's bikes through the borough.

Riders can still travel across Richmond as part of longer journeys, but as of today journeys cannot start or end within the borough boundary.

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Those who ignore the new parking restrictions on the Lime app could incur a fine and any Lime bikes that remain after 26 June will be removed by the operator.

Richmond Council asks that residents report any Lime bikes by completing a request on the Lime website here.

Forest already operates across all of Richmond's neighbouring boroughs such as Hounslow and Kingston upon Thames.

To encourage residents to try the new service, Forest is offering a range of exclusive deals to Richmond residents, including:

• Up to 30 minutes of riding for £1 on journeys starting in Richmond throughout June
• An exclusive local offer of 400 minutes for £13.99 per month (equivalent to just 3.5p per minute)

Since starting Forest's service, Hounslow is the most popular destination for journeys from Richmond, while Hammersmith & Fulham is the most common starting point for trips into the borough.

Cllr Ehmann added: "I'd also like to thank Lime for their five years of service in the borough and for their support in ensuring an orderly transition."

Richmond Council say that "Forest and Lime have been working closely with the Council to ensure a smooth handover, with Lime bikes gradually being removed from the borough as Forest's service continues to expand".

A spokesperson for Lime told Nub News: "With warm weather and high demand, there are concerns that bikes will accumulate around the borough's boundaries, particularly at crossing points such as Hammersmith Bridge, as riders reach the edge of Lime's operating area.

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"This comes after last year's so-called "Checkpoint Charlie" effect, when Lime bikes were no longer permitted in Hounslow, leading to bike build-ups along the borough boundary and disruption to journeys."

Residents can visit the authority's dedicated page to find out more about Forest bikes and download the Forest app to access bikes, view pricing and take advantage of the latest offers.

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