Share bikes can be rented using a smartphone app and used for one-way journeys, helping people to get around in our growing city, just like the thriving bike share schemes in London, Paris, and New York.
Share bikes cancelled
Yarra used to have a share bike scheme, operated by Lime, but it was cancelled on 14 July 2026.
Need for parking corrals
Transport experts align with Streets Alive Yarra in pointing out that complaints about share bikes obstructing footpaths can be traced back to council failing to provide on-street (off-footpath) parking corrals, as is occurring in Brisbane and Sydney:
“Asking riders to behave safely while giving them no safe or obvious place to ride or park is poor transport policy.”
“[Brisbane’s] dedicated e-mobility parking hubs keep devices off footpaths and more reliable to find for users.”
“New South Wales has moved to statewide regulation of shared schemes, reducing the burden on providers and local councils while retaining council control over operating areas, parking and no-go zones. As a result, $6.6m in funding from the state government is being allocated to councils to build dedicated parking. Victoria and other states should do the same.”
Buning and Pojani, writing in The Fifth Estate
Streets Alive Yarra has consistently asked council to provide on-street (off-footpath) parking corrals, as well as safe cycleways between neighbourhoods, so that biking (using either private or shared bikes) is a safe and convenient option for residents, just like driving. Yarra made a start, by adopting a Micromobility Hub Implementation Policy in late 2024, but implementation was too little, too late.
Takeover by the state government
In Melbourne the take-up of share bikes is hindered by each council imposing their own bans (creating a hole in the network), or their own rules. The answer is for the state to take over apply a state framework:
Local champion
Your local champion for share bikes is Luke Sapwell.
The council framework is clearly not working, and Victorians bear the cost. I ask you to give the power back to the State, negotiate fair terms with operators, and put e-bikes back where they belong: on our streets, serving residents, and getting people home safely.
Luke Sapwell