The Liberal Democrats fix Labour's bike Problem

In August 2025, comedian Dara Ó Briain took to social media to liken the stacking up of rental ebikes at the boundary between Richmond and Hounslow as similar to Checkpoint Charlie, the famous crossing point in the Berlin Wall. 

The unilateral decision of Labour run Hounslow without consulting residents or neighbouring councils caused chaos and inconvenience to users of rental e-bikes. It also saw unsightly piles of rental e-bikes on the borders of the borough. Roger Crouch, chair of Hounslow Liberal Democrats and candidate for Isleworth ward, commented, “the decision to end the contract with Lime was hurried and bungled. The decision itself was not necessarily wrong but the way it was handled by Labour run Hounslow Council was hasty, lacking in communication, and without consideration of user experience.” 

Now Liberal Democrat run Richmond has fixed the problem. Cllr Alexander Ehmann, chair of Richmond Council’s Transport Committee, has confirmed that, subject to contract, Forest has been appointed as Richmond’s sole e-bike provider. Cllr Ehmann added, “Unlike Hounslow, Richmond Council painstakingly analysed options including multiple providers. When judging quality, cost to users, and contribution to council funds, Forest won out. This will thankfully reconnect e-bike journeys between Richmond and Hounslow.” 

Roger Crouch added, “What Labour break – the Liberal Democrats fix. E-bikes are part of the transport landscape. We will also press e-bike providers to ensure stray bikes are collected quickly and parking bays are kept tidy. Liberal Democrats elected in both Richmond and Hounslow will listen and work with residents to resolve issues that arise across artificial borough boundaries.”