Cyclehoop has launched an app for cyclists to find, book and access secure bike storage in Glasgow.
‘Trips’ is a short term cycle parking initiative from Cyclehoop as part of Glasgow City Council’s Avenues Project with funds from the Sustrans ‘Places for Everyone‘ initiative. 12 secure parking units called Bikehangars have already been installed around the city centre to celebrate hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. An additional eight Bikehangars will be added in September when the trial officially begins.
Anthony Lau, Founder and Design Director at Cyclehoop, told Zag Daily: “The ‘Cyclehoop trips’ project in Glasgow is the first secure, app-enabled destination cycle parking scheme of this size in the UK. The platform is fully scalable, allowing us to add a range of parking solutions including Bikehangars, lockers and cycle hubs, anywhere in the country.
Our vision is to expand the scheme into towns and cities across the UK, and even integrate our existing residential cycle storage schemes to offer users security, convenience and peace of mind at both ends of the cycle journey.”
As cycle theft is cited as a top deterrent for would-be cyclists, the introduction of secure on-street cycle parking in the city centre is hoped to increase cycling uptake. In its fourth generation, the Bikehangar design has been updated with new security features.
Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Climate, Transport and City Centre Recovery, said: “These secure cycle parking units, located around the city centre, will help make cycling a more realistic and attractive option for people travelling to the city centre for work, study and leisure.”
The units endured rigorous testing in which they withstood five minutes of attack by security experts using hand tools and a power drill, and 90 seconds of attack with an angle grinder. The Bikehangar 4.0 and the Cargo Bikehangar achieved Sold Secure Powered Cycle and Pedal Cycle Diamond accreditation – the highest grade achievable.
Out of the 12 Bikehangars available, 11 accommodate six regular bikes each, while the 12th Cargo Bikehangar is designed to fit either two cargo bikes or non-standard cycles.
Customers will access the Bikehangars through a smartphone app using bluetooth technology. The app allows customers to find available spaces, unlock a unit and start a booking, monitor usage and add credits to their account.
Glasgow cyclists looking to take part can register online to gain exclusive access.
