Summer is on its way and UK’s streets are starting to fill up with cyclists. Most of them were inspired by the recent summer Olympics and received further encouragement from the proliferation of Boris Bikes on the streets of the capital.
On average, bicycle ownership in the UK increases each year. According to the 2012 annual travel’s report for London, estimates showed that nearly 700,000 people cycle in the capital each day. Bicycles have become very popular for ride-to-work schemes and various street-hiring options. In addition, there abundance can be attributed to the availability of affordable second hand bikes. Even though acquiring a bicycle in the UK is both easy and non-expensive, there is still one major problem that most cyclists face, which is storage and parking. This is especially true in London. Out of the 33 London Boroughs, 8 of them suffer from a population density problem. Figures show that there are 100 people per in these areas, which makes London particularly cramped. The city has small interiors and minimal outside space. This has created the need for more cycle shelters.
Why the UK needs more cycle shelters
In the UK, bicycle theft is steadily becoming a major problem. It is estimated that over 500,000 bicycles are stolen in the UK each year and a majority of them are never recovered. Research shows that most people, especially those living on low incomes, do not replace their stolen bicycles. They prefer to give up on cycling altogether. This means that more people will be reluctant to start cycling if they have the notion that there bicycle will be stolen or vandalised. With more cycle shelters all over the UK, more people will be encouraged to engage in cycling activities because they will feel that their bicycles can be stored safely.
According to various studies and researchers, more cyclist shelters will lead to an increase in the number of people engaging in cycling activities and a reduction of bicycle thefts. In addition to being practical and beneficial, more cyclist shelters send a powerful message that says cyclists are welcome in the UK. It shows that the UK government and other private institutions are committed to promoting low carbon means of travel.
Local authorities in the UK can partner up with private companies to offer cyclists with a long-term solution. They can come up with cycle shelter projects that provide residents with free cycle stands. The schemes can make cycle shelters available to voluntary organizations, small businesses, places of worship, schools, health centres or anywhere else they are needed. With more cyclist shelters, people will have access to bicycle parking facilities that can be found in prominent and convenient locations throughout the UK. In these designated areas, cyclists can lock in their bicycles to an immovable solid object. This will cause a major reduction in the number of bikes that are stolen or vandalized.
With a growing population, cycling as a means of travel is becoming increasingly popular within the UK. It is not only affordable but also very environmental friendly, which is a very good thing.
On average, bicycle ownership in the UK increases each year. According to the 2012 annual travel’s report for London, estimates showed that nearly 700,000 people cycle in the capital each day. Bicycles have become very popular for ride-to-work schemes and various street-hiring options. In addition, there abundance can be attributed to the availability of affordable second hand bikes. Even though acquiring a bicycle in the UK is both easy and non-expensive, there is still one major problem that most cyclists face, which is storage and parking. This is especially true in London. Out of the 33 London Boroughs, 8 of them suffer from a population density problem. Figures show that there are 100 people per in these areas, which makes London particularly cramped. The city has small interiors and minimal outside space. This has created the need for more cycle shelters.
Why the UK needs more cycle shelters
In the UK, bicycle theft is steadily becoming a major problem. It is estimated that over 500,000 bicycles are stolen in the UK each year and a majority of them are never recovered. Research shows that most people, especially those living on low incomes, do not replace their stolen bicycles. They prefer to give up on cycling altogether. This means that more people will be reluctant to start cycling if they have the notion that there bicycle will be stolen or vandalised. With more cycle shelters all over the UK, more people will be encouraged to engage in cycling activities because they will feel that their bicycles can be stored safely.
According to various studies and researchers, more cyclist shelters will lead to an increase in the number of people engaging in cycling activities and a reduction of bicycle thefts. In addition to being practical and beneficial, more cyclist shelters send a powerful message that says cyclists are welcome in the UK. It shows that the UK government and other private institutions are committed to promoting low carbon means of travel.
Local authorities in the UK can partner up with private companies to offer cyclists with a long-term solution. They can come up with cycle shelter projects that provide residents with free cycle stands. The schemes can make cycle shelters available to voluntary organizations, small businesses, places of worship, schools, health centres or anywhere else they are needed. With more cyclist shelters, people will have access to bicycle parking facilities that can be found in prominent and convenient locations throughout the UK. In these designated areas, cyclists can lock in their bicycles to an immovable solid object. This will cause a major reduction in the number of bikes that are stolen or vandalized.
With a growing population, cycling as a means of travel is becoming increasingly popular within the UK. It is not only affordable but also very environmental friendly, which is a very good thing.