22/06/2026
LEICESTER LOCAL OPINION: SHOULD LEICESTER BAN E-BIKES & E-SCOOTERS FROM PEDESTRIAN ZONES?
Leicester city centre was designed to be a place for people to walk, shop, meet and move around safely — but many residents say some pedestrian areas no longer feel as safe or relaxed as they should.
A growing number of complaints have been raised about e-bikes, e-scooters and cyclists travelling through crowded parts of the city centre, including busy pedestrian zones around the Clock Tower, Gallowtree Gate and High Street.
Residents have also raised concerns about groups of balaclava-clad youths gathering in the city centre, alongside reports of some food delivery riders travelling at speed through areas packed with shoppers, families and elderly pedestrians.
For many, the issue is not cycling itself, but behaviour.
People say they are increasingly having to dodge fast-moving bikes and scooters in places that should feel safe for pedestrians. Some have reported near misses involving children, older people and shoppers stepping out of stores.
Others argue that e-bikes and bicycles are an important part of modern city life. They can reduce car journeys, cut congestion, lower emissions and provide affordable transport for people travelling to work or earning a living through delivery platforms.
The Netherlands is often pointed to as an example of how bikes and pedestrians can work well together in town and city centres. Many Dutch cities provide proper segregated cycle lanes, large bike parking areas and clearly enforced pedestrian-only zones, reducing conflict between cyclists and walkers.
Supporters of that approach argue the problem in Leicester is not bikes themselves, but a lack of suitable infrastructure and enforcement.
Critics say Leicester’s city centre simply is not designed to safely accommodate large numbers of e-bikes, scooters and delivery riders moving through crowded pedestrian spaces.
As Leicester continues to promote active travel and reduce car dependency, the challenge is finding the right balance between encouraging cycling and making sure pedestrian areas remain safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
So we’re asking:
Should Leicester’s pedestrian zones be strictly pedestrian only, or should cyclists, e-bike riders and delivery riders continue to share the space?
Have you had a positive or negative experience in the city centre recently?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.