BCP Council has vowed to increase cycle parking facilities across the conurbation following “increased demand” and lobbying from active travel groups.
Cycle storage at town centre and hotspot locations in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been criticised as either not fit for purpose or non-existent by some residents who have implored the local authority to invest in better facilities.
Among those lobbying for change is community group BH Active Travel (BHAT), who believe better cycle storage facilities will not only encourage cycling but also reduce bike and e-scooter theft in the region.
Group chair Lucie Allen told the Echo: “Lack of secure cycle parking is often quoted anecdotally as the second biggest deterrent, after safe cycle routes, to cycling.
“With the increase in safer cycling infrastructure being delivered throughout the conurbation, BH Active Travel would like to see investment in secure cycle parking across BCP. This would encourage more people to cycle short distances, knowing their bike will still be there when they return.”
BHAT member Jason Bond said: “I would use my bike ten times more if there were decent facilities to keep my bike safe when parked up. I think every town and supermarket should have accessible, safe, monitored bike parking with CCTV. I’d happily pay a couple of quid to know that it’s still going to be there for the ride home.”
In response, a BCP Council spokesperson said: “It’s becoming clear that increasing number of residents are returning to cycling across the BCP area.
“There are key benefits to health and the environment, but this has also increased demand for cycle parking in our town centres in particular.
“BCP Council has an established budget to provide new cycle stands and has recently audited all locations to identify any gaps in the network. We have prioritised requests from members of the public and now have a list of locations for new or additional cycle parking that we will be installing over the coming months.
“In addition to this, as part of our Transforming Cities Fund programme, we have allocated £300,000 for grants to schools and businesses in the area for the provision of ‘trip end facilities’ at their premises. These include bike and scooter stores, E-bike chargers, showers, lockers, etc.”
Following meetings between BHAT with the council and landlords, £30k of funding has been secured to repurpose an empty retail unit at the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole into a secure cycle parking space.
Lucie Allen stated she was “delighted” by this and hoped similar schemes would be considered for the Royal Arcade in Boscombe and areas around Poole Quay and Christchurch.
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