> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Shared bike firms seek reprieve after 2026 ban - URL: https://barna.news/shared-bike-firms-seek-reprieve-after/ - Published: 2026-09-27T15:43:26.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-27T15:43:26.000Z - Description: Seven operators hope next term's council will reverse Jaume Collboni's decision to end licences by year end. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: transport ## End of shared bike licences confirmed On 4 June 2026, Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni announced the non-renewal of private shared bicycle licences, with operations set to cease by 31 December 2026\. Municipal sources confirm that no renewal will be granted and no new tender issued, meaning the city will remove 3,500 shared bikes from public space. The decision follows concerns over public space disruption. Collboni cited 7,195 fines and the removal of 2,683 bicycles by municipal cranes since mid-2024, with 922 fines issued in July 2026 alone. According to city sources, shared bikes must be locked to inverted-U anchor points, a rule frequently breached. --- ## Operators prepare for shutdown, push for future return Despite the ban, the seven companies operating in Barcelona – Bird, Bolt, Cooltra, Donkey Republic, Lime, RideMovi, and Voi – are preparing to store their fleets in warehouses by year end. They acknowledge the decision stands but hope the outcome of May's municipal elections could lead to a reversal. They argue the number of fines is negligible compared to over 3 million trips taken. Joan Salarich, Lime’s institutional relations lead in Barcelona, stated that penalties represent less than 0.18% of total journeys. > The model hasn't worked. There are bikes lying everywhere. , Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona > We believe there are alternatives to suppression. We’ve reinforced joint patrols to correct parking. , Industry representatives ### Lime proposes operator reduction Lime has proposed a restructured tender limiting operators to two or three, arguing that inefficiencies stem from fragmentation. They claim better-managed firms are penalised by weaker competitors. ### Political pressure grows In July 2026, Junts, Barcelona en Comú, ERC and the PP jointly urged Collboni to reconsider, calling the move an "irresponsibility" that could overload Bicing and public transport, and push users toward private vehicles. The city council maintains its stance, however, and confirms Bicing will not expand until late 2028\. The current fleet of 3,478 bicycles will be withdrawn, and city officials say the majority of users are tourists. Lime disputes this, stating 40% of its users are locals. --- *Reported by en.ara.cat, naciodigital.cat, Diari ARA.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Public Transport Museum Group Launched by TMB and City Council](https://barna.news/public-transport-museum-group-launched/) - [ATM reopens debate on scooters on public transport](https://barna.news/atm-reopens-debate-on-scooters-on/) - [Catalonia tenders single brand for public transport](https://barna.news/catalonia-tenders-single-brand-for/) - [Barcelona to Push for E-Scooter Return on Transit](https://barna.news/barcelona-to-push-for-e-scooter-return/)