Cyclists in Bath can now rent a space to leave their bikes in the city. New on-street, secure cycle parking is now available to rent in residential areas across the city following the installation of 17 new bike hangars.

The new cycle hangars have proved popular with residents, with 43 of the 102 spaces having been rented within three days of them being launched. Each hangar provides lockable, secure storage for six bikes. Residents who don’t have access to private cycle parking, such as a garage or shed, can now rent a space for £42 a year, for an initial trial period.

The hangars form part of a £193,000 two-year trial to improve travel choices for residents. Funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, awarded by The West of England Combined Authority (WECA), and Bath Clean Air Zone revenue reserve, the hangars are operated by Falco on behalf of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Bath and North East Somerset Council deputy leader and cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel Councillor Sarah Warren said: “Encouraging more people to opt for active forms of travel is key to reducing congestion and pollution, improving air quality and achieving our Net Zero goal. While the introduction of more dedicated cycle lanes is making cycling safer, residents told us they also need safe and secure storage for their bikes near their homes.

"We’ve responded and I hope, as a consequence, we’ll see more people using pedal power to make short journeys. We consulted widely before deciding where to place the hangars and they’ve been installed in areas where there was greatest demand and therefore greatest potential in an uplift in cycling.

"We also considered a range of other factors such as the relative level of deprivation, whether a cycle is a mobility aid for disabled people or for carrying children and the likelihood it could be stolen. There will, however, be another chance to request hangars later this year as the West of England Combined Authority will be consulting on sites for additional funded hangars.”

The new hangars have been installed Grove Street, Railway Place, Camden Road, Portland Place, Cleveland Place, Henry Street, Vane Street, Lansdown Place West, Park Place and Upper Church Street. They have also been installed at South Parade, Henrietta Mews, Catharine Place, Archway Street, Grosvenor Place, The Street, Radstock and Carpenters Lane, Keynsham.

The hangar proposed at Sydney Place has been placed on hold, with an alternative location being considered. Hangars due to be installed at Pulteney Gardens and Walcot Street were unable to be installed on the planned date but will be rescheduled.

Residents can find out more about the new hangars or rent a space for their bike online. Some bike hangar locations are already at full capacity. However, the West of England Combined Authority has secured funding from the government’s Active Travel Fund to install additional cycle hangars across the area.

The survey on proposed sites is scheduled for later this year and people will be able to submit ideas for additional locations.

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-news/new-bike-scheme-bath-aims-8765500