You will have seen a number of bike hangars (image above) popping up on kerbs around Ladywell. Cerelia Athanassiou is a new bike hangar user, and here she talks us through how they work and what they look like inside.
What are they?
Bike hangars are specially designed secure storage units for bikes. They are installed onto streets with the unit bolted onto the kerb. They pretty much guarantee security for any bikes stored there, and anyone who cycles regularly will appreciate that this is a concern.
A bike hangar takes up half a standard car parking space and can fit six bikes. They are an incredibly smart way of encouraging residents to use their bikes, whether that’s getting around Lewisham or commuting into work.
Why can’t you just keep your bike at home?
I used to – especially after my previous bike got stolen one evening when it was locked up with a secure lock to a lamp post.
But when you live in a small flat with no access to a secure garden, you appreciate the difference in space the bike hangar can make. You also have peace of mind about your bike because they are quite secure structures, and installed in visible locations.
We have heard of some people complaining about the bike hangar being installed right in front of their house and worrying about them being quite ugly (I think they’re lovely). But most neighbours seem pretty enthusiastic about it and there are a few of us on my street that are renting spaces in them. It is also a great conversation starter, as almost every time I go to get my bike I am chatted up by a curious passerby eager to see what it looks like inside, how it works, etc.
I think most people see that this is a useful solution for renters like myself, as well as appreciating the positive implications of this for the environment, however small.
How does it work?
If you are interested in renting a space in a bike hangar or getting one installed on your street, you can submit a request via the Council’s website here.
Cyclehoop, the company managing bike hangars for Lewisham Council, manage the waiting list as they install new bike hangars twice a year, in February and September. With February just around the corner, this is the time to get interested in secure storage for your bike!