| Project | Multistorey secure bicycle storage facilities |
|---|---|
| Project lead | Aberdeen City Council |
| Partners | Scottish Government |
| Cost/funding | £120,000 |
| Project type | Active travel |
| Location | Tillydrone and Seaton |
Background
Installing safe and secure bicycle storage facilities in multi-storey residential buildings can encourage residents to own and use bikes more often. This is especially important for those who don't have space for their bikes at home. Public funding for these storage facilities can help reduce transport challenges for low-income residents, improve city transport policies, and enhance overall living conditions by eliminating bike clutter in shared spaces. Access to these facilities can promote cycling for commuting and leisure, reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
A recent survey showed that residents see the lack of safe bike storage as a barrier to cycling. To address this, our Transportation Strategy and Programmes team looked into installing secure storage facilities in areas with the highest demand for these facilities. Tillydrone and Seaton were selected for a pilot programme where six storage units were installed, providing a secure space for up to 120 bicycles. Our local housing teams helped promote the bike storage.
Outcomes
The goals of this project were:
- To provide safe and secure long-stay cycle storage in areas where demand has been identified by council tenants.
- Resolving long-standing health and safety concerns regarding the storage of bicycles within communal areas or in stairwells.
- To increase the accessibility of cycling for both commuting and leisure purposes.
- To reduce the impact of transport poverty on low-income households.
- To reduce dependence on the private car.
- To help to provide a transport system that facilitates healthy and sustainable living.
- Improved air quality and the environment.
One of the bicycle shelters was vandalised shortly after its installation, with several glazing panels smashed. These were replaced promptly by the supplier, but this incident has led to the specification for any future bicycle shelter installations being amended to ensure that more robust glazing panels are provided.
Since installation in July and August 2023, use has been slower than expected. However as people become more aware of the facilities and their benefits, and with better weather in spring, more residents will start using them.
Next Steps
Funding has been secured from Cycling Scotland to permit a further batch of up to six bicycle storage units to be installed in 2024, however will be largely dependant on the success of the initial Tillydrone and Seaton pilot.
It is hoped that awareness of the facilities and the better weather throughout the year encourages more people to get out on bikes.