Merton Council is threatening to seize abandoned rental e-bikes that have cluttered the streets of Wimbledon, as hundreds of fans use them to join the queue for The Championships. The local authority has warned operators Lime and Forest that bikes will be impounded if the situation does not improve, citing safety risks due to blocked pavements and overwhelmed parking bays.
The influx of e-bikes has been identified by Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton as a factor contributing to the surge in popularity of the traditional ticket queue. She noted that the ease of access provided by rental bikes allows fans to reach the queue from further afield, leading to a significant increase in early arrivals. On the opening day of the tournament, an estimated 10,000 fans had joined the queue by 8:30 a.m.
Plans to manage the bike drop-offs, including requiring riders to dismount at Church Street and park elsewhere, have proven insufficient. Pavements and walkways outside the All England Club have been obstructed by the sheer volume of bikes overflowing from designated areas. The council has expressed disappointment with riders ignoring rules and expects operators to issue fines to ensure streets remain clear and safe. Both Lime and Forest have been asked to increase their on-the-ground staffing during the tournament to address improperly parked bikes more quickly.
Councillor Anthony Fairclough highlighted issues with the GPS systems on some rental bikes, which can prevent riders from ending their journeys in designated bays. This can lead to bikes being abandoned in unauthorized locations, further exacerbating the problem. The council has also worked with neighboring Wandsworth to temporarily expand parking capacity for the estimated 350 e-bike bays in Merton.
Fans attending the tournament have observed a noticeable increase in the size of the queue in recent years. Some attribute this to the post-Covid resurgence of large sporting events and the influence of social media. The early arrival of dedicated fans, some camping overnight, has become more pronounced, with previous strategies for securing prime queue positions no longer guaranteed.
Lime stated that they have been planning for the tournament since last year and have worked with Wimbledon and Merton Council to establish dedicated parking bays. They have also increased temporary bays and on-the-ground staffing. Forest noted a significant spike in demand and confirmed they have deployed additional support to manage high-demand parking areas. Both companies expressed confidence in managing the situation and continuing to work with local authorities.