British bicycle manufacturer Brompton has transformed an old petrol station in London into a cycling haven today to show how we can reshape our urban spaces to support the reduction of carbon emissions.
The petrol station has been converted for 24 hours for World Car Free Day 2022 and features test ride and track facilities, a Brompton Bike Hire dock, a consultation station with climate charity Possible, along with refreshments for commuters. The space also includes artwork, parklets and green space for the local community to enjoy throughout the day.
“Brompton Bike Hire seeks to make cycling as accessible and convenient as possible for people across the UK,” Brompton Bike Hire’s Managing Director Julian Scriven told Zag Daily.
“In order to see the benefits that an increased takeup of cycling would bring, we need to be bold in reimagining our cities.
“Our vision for the future on Car Free Day just does that, re-purposing the space formerly used as a petrol station and enabling people to see what cities could be like.”
As fuel prices remain high, Brompton is also seeking to highlight the high cost of driving compared to cycling.
With that in mind the company has recently changed its pricing from a more expensive membership option to a cheaper pay-as-you-go process for £5 a day, with no joining fees.
Riders can hire from a locker that is convenient to them and return to any of the 70+ Brompton Bike Hire locations nationwide.
“So much of our public space is dominated by private cars and we all deserve better,” said Possible’s Head of Car Free Cities Hirra Khan Adeogun. “Taking over a petrol station will help people envision a bold alternative to the status quo, showing that space in cities can put people before cars and that doing so benefits us all.”
The reimagined green transport hub is located between Borough Road and Newington Causeway near Elephant and Castle.
