Wollongong City Council has welcomed the NSW Government's move toward a statewide regulation of bike sharing schemes but says local councils must be adequately funded and resourced to implement an effective share bike system that meets needs of the community.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is proposing a new regulatory framework that will change how e‑micromobility sharing schemes (bike share) operate across NSW. The framework focuses specifically on e‑bike sharing schemes in public spaces and is currently open for feedback.
E-micromobility refers to a collection of small, electrically powered devices that people can ride including electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters). This framework is specifically looking at shared e-bikes only.
Council has long recognised the benefits of sharing schemes that offer sustainable and convenient alternatives to car trips, improve connections to public transport, and provide a convenient way to explore local areas.
While supportive of a statewide regulatory framework, a submission endorsed by Council (on 20 April) highlights concerns around public safety and the proposed funding model that places a large operational burden on local councils, without providing the revenue to adequately resource a safe and accessible shared scheme.
The submission also stressed that councils, with their intimate knowledge of local streets and public spaces, must be empowered to set and implement local operating rules, including factors like fleet size and number of operators, compliance enforcement, and defining shared scheme routes.
"Council is pleased to see the framework progress as we understand the difference it can make rather than an unplanned roll out across the state," Wollongong City Council Manager Infrastructure Strategy and Planning Nathan McBriarty said.
"We've undertaken a detailed review of the draft guidelines and regulations and have considered it against key strategic documents including our Transport Strategy.
"Our Transport strategy recognises the great benefits of shared schemes for e-bikes and e-scooters, but we know it can only thrive if it's well supported. Our feedback outlines the opportunities, barriers and challenges that a shared scheme could have within Wollongong.
"We've advocated for changes to the funding and resourcing required for a shared e-bike scheme to operate in a sustainable and safe way in Wollongong.
"Council, alongside our community, know our streets and public places well. We want to make sure that we're empowered as a Council to decide where these bikes can ride and park, how many bikes are available and the number of operators approved to meet the needs of our community.
"We support the growth of e‑micromobility, if it is delivered safely and sustainably, and look forward to ongoing discussions with TfNSW to refine the framework so shared schemes remain a viable transport option."
Wollongong has been a participant in the TfNSW e-scooter shared scheme trial since September 2023 and we have used the findings, as well as community feedback to inform our submission.
"It's important to note that this framework only addresses shared e-bikes, which means there are no immediate impacts to our e-scooter trial. We'll keep our community informed of any future proposed impacts or changes to NSW Government legislation," Mr McBriarty said.
Having been endorsed by Council, the submission will be lodged before the exhibition's Monday 4 May deadline. You can read the full submission on Council's website .
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Council's submission is important advocacy to strengthen the state government services in Wollongong.
"Our job as local government is to ensure we're voicing our community's views, yet it's a multi-agency effort to ensure that they are addressed appropriately," Cr Brown said.
"Council is making large investment into shared paths and cycleways in public spaces through our Infrastructure Delivery Program that will support short trips and expand our existing transport network.
"That's why it's crucial Council provides feedback on reforms such as these, to prioritise public safety as well as meet community expectations that aligns with our ongoing investment into our path networks."
