The global company said last November it would work to avoid using delivery routes through Gladstone Park after some blasted seeing the e-bikes “riding dangerously at speed” through the park’s footpaths “several times every day”.
But an eagle-eyed park-goer was in shock to see an e-bike in the park once again, nearly seven months after not seeing one running in the area.
Amazon vans back in Gladstone Park.@MAsgharButt @kkrupas @KrupeshHirani @Tariqmdar @CllrGwenGrahl pic.twitter.com/eQOI9BmsIn
— HaltCricklewoodLTNs (@rethinkLTNs) June 9, 2023
The large electric delivery bikes were first introduced in the UK last year as part of a push to decarbonise Amazon’s UK transportation network.
Some were however outraged that park footpaths were being used as part of the delivery route last year, believing it to take up the space for people walking.
One complainant, Sarah, said the “size and weight” of the cargo bikes pose a “much greater danger than a common bicycle”.
She said last November: “As it stands now, walkers have to constantly have one eye over their shoulder looking for bicycles and these vehicles.
“Where can families and dogs play and run around if not in the local park? It is an accident waiting to happen.”
Krupesh Hirani, the London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow, claimed last November that Amazon’s delivery bikes were seen “riding dangerously at speed” through the park.
Dear @amazon – your buggies are riding dangerously at speed through Gladstone Park, Brent, London and as the drivers are being approached by park users they are speeding away past them. The one I tried to talk to this morning sped away.
Can you put a stop to it? pic.twitter.com/ulYwxB2kbb
— Krupesh Hirani AM for Brent and Harrow (@KrupeshHirani) November 26, 2022
Footage last year also showed one frustrated person taking matters into her own hands, as she protested by sitting in front of an Amazon bike and refusing to let it move.
Amazon at the time said that while their e-cargo bikes are allowed to travel on shared pedestrian and cycle paths, it would work closely with partners to avoid using the Gladstone Park paths.
Following the sighting last Thursday (June 8), a spokesperson said: “Our micromobility hub in Wembley allows us to deliver customer packages with e-cargo bikes, which have zero-tail pipe emissions, reduce traffic congestion and help to improve air quality.
“We always look to be considerate to the communities where we operate, and we plan our operations to comply with all local traffic laws and regulations.”