City set for more bike storage lockers

The first of the new storage lockers is due to be installed before the end of August

New secure cycle lockers are set to be installed across a Devon city.

Plymouth City Council said the "significant expansion" would include 44 long-term lockers, bringing the total number of spaces available across the city to 170.

The city council said the lockers, funded by the Department for Transport's active travel fund, would be both short and long term.

Councillor John Stephens, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: "This new cycle infrastructure is a real boost for sustainable transport in Plymouth and I'm delighted to see it installed."

'No parking loss'

He added: "Getting people out of their cars and onto their bikes won't happen overnight but if we can continue to provide the infrastructure that breaks down another barrier to making that choice then together we will be able to get to a better place."

The city council said the long-term lets would be at Cremyll Street, Vauxhall Street, Barbican Approach, the Theatre Royal car park, Grand Parade car park, Napier Terrace car park, St John's Road car park, Boringdon Terrace car park and Regent Street car park.

There would be no loss of car parking as a result, it added.

It said short-term cycle storage lockers, each capable of storing two bikes, were also set for expansion thanks to five new bike hubs – an app-bookable locker system with bike parking available at an hourly rate.

It said there would be three new hourly rental lockers at the Plymouth Life Centre and two on Vauxhall Street to bring the total city-wide to 23.

The lockers had been manufactured in the city by local company BikeAway, it added, and had been provided at no cost to the council.

It said the long-term lockers could be hired on an annual basis.

The first of the storage lockers is due to be installed before the end of August.