Build Back Better Bicycle storage
The most sustainable innovation of the last two centuries is the bicycle.
by Nada Jamal, Mostafa Zohdy, Aji Bima Amriza Amalsyah and Anne Chataigné
Positive changes to bike lane width and parking areas sprung up during the pandemic, but accessible cycling infrastructure should be central to a Build Back Better strategy in London. Cyclehoop is the main private provider of cycle parking and their demand is too high, new market entrants need to be incentivised. Bicycle theft and storage continue to prevent us from using the bike as our main mode of transportation. Free & accessible bike storage would make cycling more inclusive for women and other currently excluded groups.
Financially, we are recommending a congestion charge audit and a public-private partnership, whereby companies and municipalities invest in bicycle parking spaces across the city. These are space-saving, easily-implementable, multi-functional, and accessible to the public. These storage spaces would reduce bike theft and sidewalk congestion, and encourage safer widespread use of bicycles to promote active travel.
We propose two complementary designs in different spatial contexts: the first is a locking hook where bicycles are stored against walls, and the second is an enclosed locker. The features are as follows:
1. Space-conserving, does not clutter sidewalks
2. Free of charge for end users
3. Time-restricted, locks are automatically released after 8 hours
4. Weatherproof, awning prevents exposure to rain
5. Geotagged, users can connect to a geolocated app, if they choose, which notifies them of how much time remains on the lock
6. Creative, acts as a canvas for public art and positive messaging
Our two designs are additions to the urban landscape, but can we repurpose existing bicycle parking to make them more secure? What’s London waiting for?
