Blackpool joins ParkThatBike to promote pedal power!
If you’re anything like me then-recent events led to you taking bold steps into the shed to seek out what lurks in the dark beneath the dust sheets and years of cobwebs. Your long-forgotten bicycle.
That’s right, during lockdown record numbers of us found ourselves pumping up tyres and brandishing cans of WD40 in an attempt to gain as much distance from the house as legally possible at the time. Wonderful freedom, or so we thought.
As with so many methods of mobility, cycling still presents the issue of parking and I often found that once I reached my destination, not wishing to leave my trusty steed unattended, I was stuck outside with the bike.
Don’t be putting that bicycle back in the shed, however!
A new scheme has been launched in Blackpool that lets organisations apply for free cycle parking stands.
The initiative has been introduced by Blackpool Council in conjunction with ParkThatBike, a Gloucestershire-based social enterprise. Almost any organisation that has staff, visitors or customers who arrive by bike is eligible to apply for support, including:
- Businesses
- Community groups
- Surgeries
- Schools
- Shops
- Pubs and cafés
- Churches
Organisations can apply for up to four cycle stands free of charge. Successful applicants are then responsible for installing the stands on their premises, in a location checked and approved by ParkThatBike.
Available bike racks include:
- Conventional bike racks
- Heart-shaped stands
- Wall-mounted rails
- PlantLocks (a combined planter and bike rack)
- Free-standing ‘toast-racks’
The schemes have been shown to increase levels of cycling and to decrease incidences of theft and tampering significantly.
Commenting on the ParkThatBike scheme Cllr Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said “We are always looking to explore new opportunities to improve transport infrastructure and are delighted to have been able to collaborate with ParkThatBike.
We want to make cycling safer, easier and more accessible for everyone in Blackpool. I would strongly urge any organisation, large or small, to make their premises secure and welcoming for cyclists – applying for a free stand via ParkThatBike is a great way to get started.”
ParkThatBike’s Scheme Co-ordinator, Peter Andrews, added: “It’s vital that the recent surge in cycling doesn’t lead to a spate of bike theft. Good quality cycle parking keeps workplaces safe and tidy and reduces the likelihood of bikes being stolen or damaged. We’re looking forward to helping employers of every type across Blackpool make their premises more cycle-friendly.”
Cyclists can safeguard their bikes by using a well-made D-lock and by always locking up to a proper cycle stand
To apply for free cycle parking, visit www.parkthatbike.info and download an application form, or call 01594 564 344.
Show Comments (2)
A.Cyclist
Would be interesting to know what the uptake is on the ParkThatBike scheme from local employers/workplaces, I hope you are able keep us informed.
Will a list of the Cycle safe parking places that are available for the public to use be advertised maybe ?
Catherine Mugonyi
Hello!
We’ve asked the question and will update when we get a response.