Director of Public Prosecutions joins clamour for bike-hire companies to act after disabled impeded
With debate raging in some quarters over the dumping of dockless bikes, eminent QC and Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill, has stepped into the fray.
The UK's top prosecutor took to Twitter, saying: “If you abandon a hire bike in the middle of the pavement, you create an obstacle for the blind. I cleared the way for a blind lady this morning, whose dog sensed danger and would not let her pass. And swerving to walk in the road doesn’t work for the blind. Wise up, bike users.”
Mr Hill received widespread support from other Twitter users, with @RedRachelita both defending and castigating bike-hire companies in the same tweet by saying: "I assume from the tweet that the person wasn't there to criticise. The bike hire companies have laudable environmental goals but they need to make more of an effort asking their users to be more considerate. Abandoned hire bikes are a menace the less physically mobile."
Dockless bike-hire companies have faced mounting criticism over their failure to address the problem of bikes being discarded in the middle of pavements and footways as well as roads, hampering the disabled and those who have mobility issues.
Visually impaired Twitter user, @AnytgingMaureen, said: "Obstacles like that are dreadful for me. Even in the instances where I manage to navigate them with my cane I still tend to lose my sense of direction."
Residents who also have to encounter abandoned bikes have also complained about the situation.
There could, however, be some light at the end of the tunnel as local authorities look to bring in legislation to combat the problem of irresponsible placement of the bikes after use.
Image Source: TaxiPoint
