A new cycle parking initiative which provides free bike stands to organisations has been rolled out throughout certain cities in England, with an aim of reducing incidences of cycle theft and increasing levels of cycling.
The scheme is fronted by cycling specialists ParkThatBike, who are offering organisations a maximum of two free cycle stands to install on their premises, and has so far been popular in York with local businesses, charities, pubs, cafés and churches. The city currently has 40 of the cycle stands installed at various locations, including the Fulford Arms pub and Brunswick Organic Nursery. Each stand holds two bicycles neatly and securely.
The manager of the Brunswick Organic Nursery, Andy Myers, applied for the cycle stands because of the positive effect cycling has on the environment . He said “We received two bike stands free of charge and have installed them close to our shop. The nursery is close to a busy cycle route and many of our staff, volunteers and customers arrived by bike. We have a strong commitment to environmental good practice and we are keen to support low carbon forms of travel such as cycling, and we want to look after our customers by making their bike parking easier”
The popularity of cycling in York led to the city’s status as a European Cycling City from 2008 to 2011, with £3.68m worth of funding from the government used towards improving the city’s cycling facilities. However, as the popularity of cycling has increased, so too have cases relating to bicycle theft. Nevertheless, the free cycle stands provided by ParkThatBike are helping to cut out theft, as Graham Titchener, programme manager for i-Travel York, testified. “The cycle stands provided by the ParkThatBike scheme provide secure and convenient parking, and the application process is quick and easy. Voluntary sector groups, community groups and businesses are all eligible, and we hope to see many more taking up the offer of free stands”.
Early indications have suggested that the free cycle stand scheme has had a successful beginning, as recognised by Peter Andrews, a ParkThatBike employee; “We’re delighted that the cycle parking scheme has taken off so positively, and it’s great to see such a diverse range of applicants. We hope to receive many more applicants for free stands from organisations with staff, visitors or customers who cycle”
ParkThatBike are working alongside several other council run initiatives to improve your cycling experience in York, such as improving cycle routes, providing cycle skills training sessions, and promoting the benefits of cycling over other forms of private transport .
Applying for two free cycle stands is quick and easy, and can be done either at the ParkThatBike website or on 01594 564344
