CYCLISTS PARK WITH CONFIDENCE WITH BARKING & DAGENHAM’S BIKE DOCK PROGRAMME

June 2010

A doubling in the number of journeys being completed by bike within the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has resulted in the authority turning to Bike Dock Solutions, the specialist provider of secure cycle parking equipment and accessories, to provide more than 200 cycle parking places across the borough.

Bike Dock Solutions has provided a range of products including simple bolt down Sheffield stands, London style stands, recycled steel toast rack style stands as well as cycle lockers and shelters.

“Cycling within the borough continues to grow and we have now been recognised by Transport for London as an Outer London Biking Borough,” explains Nick Davies, Principal Transport Officer for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

“Against this background we need to ensure that the borough is more accessible, safer and attractive for cyclists. A key element in this is to provide good quality sturdy cycle parking spaces located in suitable safe positions for the users.”

The borough’s cycle parking programme has included installations at key destinations such as shopping areas, transport interchanges, schools, leisure centres and council buildings. In addition, cycle parking stands have also been installed within the borough’s parks; cycle lockers located within London Road Car Park, and the provision of a cycle shelter within the Civic Centre for council staff.

Cycle lockers are a safe and secure way to lock away bikes and peripherals. They are designed to be narrower at the back than at the front to accommodate several together and therefore save space.

 The Sheffield Stands are fabricated locally from highly durable 50mm mild steel tube and are a good value, low maintenance and minimalist solution to bike parking, where the shape allows the bike frame and wheel to both be securely locked on to the stand. The London stand, which is hot dip galvanized and polyester powder coated for an extremely durable finish, comes complete with steel cycle parking badges and reflective tape. The steel base frame of the company’s Toast Rack product provides added stability and strength against wear and tear and is ideal for locations requiring several stands.

 “In the UK, a bicycle is stolen every minute and less than 5% of those are returned to
their owners,” explains Bike Dock Solutions’ Josh Coleman.  “Cyclists are more likely to have their bikes stolen than motorcyclists their motorcycle or car owners and cycle
theft is the single greatest deterrent to cycle use after road safety fears. Barking and Dagenham’s decision to install this equipment should reassure cyclists that they can travel and park with confidence throughout the borough.”