COUNTY highways chiefs have lauded a new scheme which could see free bike racks pop up across the city less than four months after one was rejected outside the city’s Art Gallery and Museum.
Worcestershire County Council has teamed up with social enterprise ParkThatBike to launch the scheme which will allow groups and businesses with staff, visitors or customers who arrive by bike to apply to have a rack installed.
Organisations can apply for up to four cycle stands free of charge and are responsible for installing the stands on their premises, in a location which ParkThatBike has checked and approved.
Conventional bike racks, heart-shaped stands, wall-mounted rails, PlantLocks – a combined planter and bike rack – and free-standing ‘toast-racks’ are available.
The move is set to reignite the fierce debate over the refusal by Coun Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways, to allow calls for a bike rack outside the Art Gallery and Museum.
The highways chief gave the thumbs down in May to Worcester City Council’s plan to move a bike rack offering space for 10 bikes into a 45 minute car parking space on Foregate Street and highlighted the loss of a parking space on the busy city road.
But his decision was met with scorn by campaigners and 180 residents signed a petition organised by activist group Bike Worcester calling for a change of heart to allow more city residents to saddle up.
Promoting the new scheme, Coun Amos: “We are doing more to promote walking and cycling in the county than we ever have done before.
“This scheme is one of several measures we are introducing as part of Phase 1 of the Active Travel Fund to make cycling safer, easier and more accessible across the county.
“I would strongly urge any organisation, large or small, to take up this special offer and make their premises secure and welcoming to cyclists.”
Peter Andrews from ParkThatBike, said: “It’s vital the recent increase in cycling doesn’t lead to a spate of bike theft.
“Good quality cycle parking reduces the likelihood of bikes being stolen or damaged while keeping workplaces safe and tidy.
“We’re looking forward to helping employers of every type across the county make their premises more cycle-friendly.”
• Visit www.ParkThatBike.info or call 01594 564344 for more.
