Lime e-bikes have been left piled across footpaths at Milsons Point, forcing North Sydney Council rangers to relocate more than 100 obstructing bikes in a single month.
The cluster next to the busy train, ferry and pedestrian hub near Luna Park has reignited resident complaints about trip hazards for children and elderly people, and has drawn calls for stricter state regulations.
Fiona Bailey, a North Sydney resident, told the Mosman Collective in February 2025 the bikes had become a safety hazard and had turned streets into “a garbage tip”. Victoria Houlder, another local, said: “Outlaw them, they are a menace.”
North Sydney Council confirmed its rangers were not resourced for the extra workload and urged the NSW Government to update rules that slow removal. “Unfortunately these bicycles are heavy and we are not resourced for these additional responsibilities. We do need a change in NSW Government regulation,” a council spokesperson said.
Lime attributed some pile-ups to high demand after Luna Park events and pointed to its 24/7 repositioning team. “Physical parking infrastructure is the future of shared micro mobility in our cities. Lime is fully committed to investing into parking solutions in partnership with local councils and Transport for NSW,” a Lime spokesperson said in a statement.
The e-bike operator launched in the North Sydney local government area on 23 November 2024 with an initial cap of 250 bikes. It operates a dynamic fleet that moves according to demand, meaning bikes can cluster rapidly at popular spots.
To address the clutter, North Sydney Council introduced a trial of 50 designated bike-share parking bays with geofencing and line markings in April 2025. Milsons Point was among the first sites. The trial was funded partly from the Active Transport budget and operator contributions, and a six-month progress report was due in October 2025.
Under current NSW rules, council rangers must observe a bike in an obstructing position for seven days and issue a notice before they can impound it. This leaves problem bikes in place long after weekend crowds have gone.
Riders should park neatly on the kerb side, away from building lines and pedestrian flows. Anyone who fails to do so can be penalised, but enforcement relies heavily on user reports. The council urges commuters to report misplaced bikes via the Lime app or by calling 1800 861 305.
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North Sydney Council
Local government authority responsible for the North Sydney local government area, including Milsons Point. It manages planning, transport infrastructure, parks and community services while overseeing shared micromobility trials.
Lime
Micromobility operator providing e-bike and e-scooter share services across Sydney. Launched in the North Sydney LGA in November 2024 and operates dynamically based on demand with over 300,000 users in Sydney.
Public transport is the best way to reach Milsons Point. The ferry wharf and train station sit right beside the shared path, and multiple bus routes serve the area. Parking is limited, so driving should be a last resort. If you do ride a Lime bike, use one of the trial parking bays rather than leaving it near building entrances or ferry ramps.
Luna Park itself offers family attractions immediately adjacent to the trouble spot. Combine a visit with a walk across the Harbour Bridge or coffee in Kirribilli. Check North Sydney Council’s event listings to plan around peak periods when bike pile-ups are more likely.
With more than 300,000 users across Sydney and no legislative change in sight, the tussle between micromobility convenience and footpath safety on the North Shore looks set to continue.