FEATURE CYCLE PARKING Parkride AND
Tim Gillett investigates the benefi ts of cycling in town – and the need for secure bike parking
F
Two car parks offer 400 free, undercover
spaces for cycles
Double decker racks allow more cyclists to park at Cambridge rail station but the number of bikes still outweighs provision, so the council is investing in new facilities for cycling commuters
or decades, Cambridge has been known as one of the most popular cities for cycling – and with very
good reason.
A lack of hills, and crowded, narrow streets, along with more than 40,000 students – university undergraduates are not given car parking permits – mean that cycling is the quickest, cheapest, healthiest and most effi cient way to get around. As a result, one in fi ve journeys are made by bicycle.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that parking is a big issue for cyclists – and while Cambridge is blessed with better cycle parking facilities than most cities of its size (it has a population of around 120,000), it’s still common to fi nd bikes piled three- deep against railings, such is the demand for space.
But, despite the above-average bike parking provision, theft remains a major problem in the city, and most residents could tell a tale of their beloved bicycle or accessories going missing.
Between them, two of the multi-storey car 32 SEPTEMBER 2012
parks offer a total of 400 free, undercover spaces for cycles. In fact, the Grand Arcade cycle park, touted as the country’s biggest free indoor cycle park, offers a lot more – CCTV coverage, a cycle repair service, valet parking for 200 bikes, and luggage lockers for helmets, waterproofs and the like. There’s even a free pushchair loan scheme for parents cycling into town with young children.
Employers have embraced the cycling culture as well, providing covered racks and shower facilities, while many also offer workers free loans to buy bikes under the government’s cycle to work scheme.
A short hop
So what do residents and visitors think? Could facilities be improved further? Business owner Richard Bradford travels into the city by car, but keeps a bicycle at his workplace for frequent short trips around the city centre. Though he tends to park his bike as close as possible to his destination, locking it to the nearest fence, he appreciates the facilities on offer.
www.britishparking.co.uk
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