Sociability Community
#Clear The Kerb
Keep pavements clear of clutter!
Blocked pavements, crossings and dropped kerbs create barriers that many Disabled people cannot simply get around.
The Problem: Dockless E-Bikes and Pavement Accessibility
Over the last ten years, if you have spent time in a city in the UK, you’ll probably have noticed e-bikes and e-scooters scattered around the streets and pavements. Much like the London Cycle Hire Scheme introduced in 2010, riders can pick up a bike to cycle and leave at their destination.
However, the more recently introduced bikes do not require a docking station. This "free-floating" model has created a major accessibility problem for Disabled people and others navigating the city.
How Poorly Parked E-Scooters Create Barriers
Not everyone who hires these vehicles is a responsible or considerate rider. All too often, you’ll find abandoned e-bikes and dockless scooters left blocking the pavement or obstructing a dropped kerb. This irresponsible pavement parking creates a significant trip hazard and limits pedestrian safety across our cities.
This can force mobility impaired people, such as wheelchair users, to go into the road or stop them from using a safe crossing entirely. Visually impaired people may not notice the obstructive bike and trip over it.
It’s not just a concern for the Disabled community, people with pushchairs, prams, or heavy luggage also struggle to negotiate these pavement obstructions. Often, it isn't just individual riders at fault; operating companies frequently leave "swarms" of bikes taking up entire stretches of the footway. When poorly parked bikes are combined with street clutter like sandwich boards, roadworks signs, and café seating, our streets become increasingly inaccessible.
Join Sociability’s #ClearTheKerb Campaign
Bikes and scooters shouldn’t come at the expense of Disabled people and others who rely on clear, safe pavements.
Clear The Kerb aims to highlight this problem and encourage better parking behaviour from riders and operators alike.
Order Your Free Accessibility Hazard Stickers
As part of the campaign, we’ve created a set of simple #ClearTheKerb stickers that can be placed on poorly parked bikes and e-scooters, or obstructive street furniture to raise awareness.
Our goal isn't to shame individuals, but to educate the public on the physical barriers these obstructions create for the community.
Get Involved: Support Safer Streets
If you’re interested in receiving some when they become available, you can register your interest using this form.