A new cycle parking scheme has been launched in Oxford, encouraging businesses and community organisations to apply for free bicycle parking.
The scheme, which is being introduced by Oxford City Council and is managed by social enterprise, ParkThatBike, aims to provide more bicycle parking for businesses and community groups to use for visitors and staff.
The project will support the introduction of up to 135 new cycle stands, providing up to 270 cycle parking spaces.
Businesses and community groups can apply for up to four stands per application, with five different options of stands available to suit different locations, including ‘Sheffield’ bike rack, heart-shaped stands, wall-mounted rails, PlantLocks (a combined planter and bike rack) and free-standing “toast-racks”.
Businesses that are able to benefit from the funding include: small businesses, community groups, surgeries, shops, pubs, cafés and places of worship. Almost any organisation that has staff, visitors, or customers who arrive by bike is eligible to apply.
The bike stands are free of charge, but businesses and groups are responsible for installing them, on their own land. The stands must be available for the public to use at all times and priority will be given to those providing the most public benefit.
Funding for the scheme has come from around £25k of capital funding, provided by Oxford City Council.
Oxford has the second highest prevalence for cycling at least once a week in the country (39% of residents), and the second highest rate of residents cycling to work (25% of residents).
"We want to encourage people to cycle for everyday journeys, whether that’s to their local shop, the gym, mosque or church, or their favourite café. We know that the lack of secure places to park cycles often puts people off going by bike, so this scheme will provide parking at a whole range of destinations.
“This scheme is designed to make cycling a safer, easier, and more appealing travel option. I strongly urge any organisation with publicly accessible space to apply for this special offer and make their premises attractive and welcoming to cyclists.”
Councillor Louise Upton, Cycling Champion and for Cabinet Member for Health and Transport
“Good quality cycle parking reduces the likelihood of bikes being stolen or damaged and tells the world that your organisation is doing its bit to encourage cycling. We’re looking forward to helping organisations of every type across Oxford make their premises more cycle-friendly.”
Peter Andrews, Co-ordinator of ParkThatBike Scheme
To apply for free cycle parking visit www.ParkThatBike.info and download an application form, or phone 01594 564 344.
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