Lime bikes dumped in canals and rivers 'posing pollution risk'

Lime bikes dumped in canals and rivers 'posing pollution risk'

Lime e-bikes have become a problematic issue in England, with hundreds being discarded in rivers and canals, leading to concerns regarding pollution and flooding. The Canal and River Trust has revealed that Nottingham, in particular, has been a hotspot for this issue, with as many as eight or nine Lime bikes being retrieved from the canal weekly. This national problem has prompted the charity to spend substantial sums of money on salvaging bikes from waterways.

The Environment Agency has highlighted the pollution risk posed by electric bikes due to the substances present in their batteries that may contaminate water bodies if left submerged. Dick Vincent, the national towpath advisor for the Canal and River Trust, emphasized the detrimental impact of abandoned bikes, stressing the significant damage they can cause to boats, canal infrastructure, and wildlife. Despite urging Lime to fund the retrieval of dumped bikes, an agreement has not been reached, leaving the charity grappling with the financial burden.

Toni Robinson, the founder of the Little Litter Pickers of Nottingham, brought attention to the high number of Lime bikes her group has retrieved from the River Leen, calling for more stringent measures to prevent further environmental harm. Robinson’s concerns regarding pollution from lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes have underlined the urgency of the situation. Ethan Radford, deputy leader of Nottingham City Council, underscored the need for immediate action to address the issue, given its adverse effects on both the environment and the natural habitat of water bodies.

In light of the escalating problem, the Environment Agency has been attempting to liaise with Lime to discuss strategies for mitigating the adverse impact of discarded bikes on the environment. The disposal of electric bikes in rivers poses a serious threat to aquatic life and water quality, necessitating urgent intervention to prevent further damage. As efforts continue to address this pressing concern, collaborative action between authorities and Lime is imperative to safeguard the environment and prevent future occurrences of bike dumping in waterways

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