City plans big increase in cycle parking

Cycling

The City of London Corporation has drawn up plans to install up to 1,900 additional cycle parking spaces in recognition that many commuters may avoid public transport because of Covid-19. 

The Square Mile currently has about 2,400 on-street cycle parking spaces, of which 300 are in dockless cycle parking bays. The Corporation has bid to Transport for London and the DfT for £82,000 to fund up to 1,900 new spaces, both personal and dockless bike parking. 

“These spaces will be implemented in a phased approach depending on emerging demand as we monitor usage,” said Carolyn Dwyer, the City’s director of the built environment. “All installations are temporary and can be easily relocated if required.” Some of the parking could be made permanent if increased cycle use is sustained. 

A maximum of 50 car parking spaces within the City Corporation’s five car parks could be reallocated to provide up to 500 cycle parking spaces (ten cycle parking spaces per car).  

Dwyer said that, prior to Covid-19, City car parks were underutilised, with up to 50 per cent of spaces unoccupied at peak times.  A maximum of 81 on-street parking bays/motorcycle bays could be reallocated to temporary cycle parking and/or seating, providing up to 650 cycle spaces. 

“If payment parking demand increases beyond current levels, we will look to reduce the reallocation of payment parking spaces and make up the provision through the partial reallocation of up to 45 of the City’s larger motorcycle bays,” said Dwyer. “This could provide up to 450 cycle parking spaces.” 

A further 650 spaces could be provided by the reallocation of other carriageway and possibly footway space, including around Bank Junction. A further 100 spaces may be installed on private but publicly accessible land, subject to legal agreements and consents.