Accredited as the most dynamic building in London, The Shard is a reminder of the power of imagination. Its architect Renzo Piano stated that he set out to ‘create a vertical city, for thousands of people to work in and enjoy, and for millions to take to their heart.’

The creation boasts being the tallest building in Western Europe and is comprised of residences, a hotel, offices, restaurants and shops. Its specification consists of 56,000 square metres of glass, 95% of the materials used to construct the building were recycled, 44 lifts and each shard stands alone allowing the building to breathe.

Like with most projects, bicycle parking is last to go in. With the completion date of early 2013 looming-Bike Dock Solutions were approached to provide bespoke two tier bike racks for the Shard. Bike Dock Solutions were chosen as supplier partly as they were the only supplier to be able to meet the 3 week turnaround for a bespoke two tier rack design before the red ribbon was cut-with 166 two tier racks being installed within this lead time.

Managing Director Alastair Worlidge quoted ‘to contribute to a project that was so refined and was 13 years in duration from planning to completion was an honour. Designers inspected our products at various locations before selecting us as their preferred supplier and this was a huge compliment. We are very proud as a company to have such a prestigious project under our belt.’

For our two tier rack design or any of your bicycle parking requirements visit www.bikedocksolutions.com

Within the next decade Boris Johnson plans to create a cycle revolution in London to exceed the benchmarks set by cities such Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

The recent proposal from the Mayor of London will see an investment of approximately £1 billion which will involve the introduction of safer cycle lanes, road improvements and bike parking throughout the city. Johnson has stated ‘Cycling will be treated not as niche, marginal, or an afterthought, but as what it is: an integral part of the transport network.’

Encouraging more people to travel by bicycle is the predominant goal of this proposal. The aim is to consider people from all backgrounds, races, ages and areas of London and figures of bicycle users are expected to double in the next decade.

The key outcomes of this vision will be to create a tube network for the bike; a network which includes routes from West London to Barking in the East, incorporating the major rail routes and bus routes throughout London. Additional, safer streets for the bike are a predominant target within this scheme through introducing radical measures and tackling dangerous junctions.

The outcome of the proposal will create a better city for everyone. A ‘village in the city’ as described by the mayor will involve linear parks, with more tree-planting, more space for pedestrians and less traffic. Cycling will promote community safety, bringing new life and vitality to underused streets.’