A new consultation has been launched to give local people a say in where they want to see much-needed cycle storage rolled out across the borough.
As part of its £10 million investment in active travel, Ealing Council is installing out dozens of new cycle hangers, which securely store up to six bikes each, at locations where local people most want to see them.
The consultation gives local people the chance to see where existing bike hangars are located and select where they would like to see one installed in the future.
The council will then use this information to help it deliver bike hangars in as many suitable locations as possible. Once a bike hangar is installed in a desired location, participants can then apply for a space.
Go online to complete the consultation, which runs until 6 January 2022. This is an ongoing process, and you will still be able to make suggestions for new locations after the first round of installations in early 2023.
‘Tell us exactly where these new hangars would be most useful’
Councillor Deirdre Costigan, cabinet member for climate action said: “Our hangars are a brilliant and cost-effective way to safely store a bike near your home.
“We want to expand the number of these hangars across our seven towns to support the rapidly growing number of cyclists in the borough.
“50 hangars will be installed in the next year, and this is just the beginning. We want to take this to a total of at least 150 by 2026 – an ambitious target, but one that our residents deserve.
“And we need your help to do this. That is why we have launched a consultation so local people can tell us exactly where these new hangars would be useful to those who need them most.
“We have already got a lot of data that can help us identify the best places to put bike hangars, but we also want to hear from you, as you know your area best.
‘£1 million invested in cutting waiting times for storage’
Councillor Costigan continued: “The council is rolling out a huge, £10 million programme to support cycling, walking and scooting, to fight the climate crisis and to improve air quality here in the borough.
“We know that it is vital for cyclists to have cheap, secure and accessible storage for their bike – and our hangars tick all the boxes.
“They are often located closer to flats and terraced houses where access to garages, gardens or sheds may be limited, and each one stores six bikes – even though they only take up half the length of a single parking bay.
“Since the election, we have invested £1 million in cutting waiting times for cyclists wanting to use one. We have also slashed costs – from £6 a month to just 70p a month.
“That means storing your bike in Ealing will cost just a sixth of a car parking permit – the cheapest rate in London.
“This is about delivering on what we promised to residents. Taking people with us as we secure positive change in streets and neighbourhoods the length and breadth of the borough.
“We are going to listen to what people say, alongside what the data shows us, and come up with a plan that works for everyone.
“This consultation is up and running – this is a process though, and we are just getting started. We want to ensure that we deliver cycle storage to anyone who wants to use their bike in the borough.
“We are working with residents and local groups every step of the way as we work to ensure a better borough for all in the future.”
