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Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association warns rental bike collisions becoming ‘MAJOR PROBLEM’ after ANOTHER taxi badly damaged this week
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has warned that collisions involving rental bikes are becoming a “major problem” after another London taxi was left heavily damaged and unable to work.
Images shared by the driver show the cab’s rear windscreen completely shattered following the collision. The boot lid was also damaged after the rider struck the back of the vehicle.
The taxi driver said: “Rear windscreen smashed, boot lid damaged, unable to work.”
The rider reportedly struck his face against the rear windscreen during the impact alone Euston Road in the early hours of 21 September. Police attended, while an ambulance crew treated the rider at the scene.
The cabbie also said they have contacted the rental bike provider Lime regarding insurance liability and are awaiting a response.
“Luckily police came as rider smashed his face on windscreen,” the taxi driver added. “Ambulance treated him and left me dealing…”
Responding to the incident, the LTDA said: “This is becoming a major problem. The bikes do have an ID plate, but it’s incredibly hard to locate.”
The trade organisation directed drivers towards guidance published in the current edition of its TAXI newspaper, which explains where identification numbers are positioned on bikes operated by the main rental companies.
LTDA General Secretary Steve McNamara previously advised cab drivers to secure photographic evidence immediately following any damage involving a hire bike.
McNamara said: “What you should do is take pictures of the bike and the cab in situ, the rider, the damage and, most importantly, get a picture of the bike’s ID number.”
According to the LTDA guidance, the identifying number on a Lime bike is positioned on the handlebars. On a Forest bike it is on the frame just above the battery, while Voi displays the number on the frame beside the rear wheel.
The number could help the rental operator establish whether the bike was being used during an active hire and identify the associated account. Drivers are also advised to retain dashcam footage, gather witness details and record the precise time and location.
The latest incident demonstrates the potential financial impact for taxi drivers when a damaged cab is taken off the road. Beyond the cost of replacing the rear windscreen and repairing the boot, the driver is also likely to lose income while the vehicle remains unavailable for work.
