BIKE HANGAR - MONTPELIER GROVE

Overview

Proposed secure carriageway cycle parking units (Bikehangar) – Montpelier Grove

We are writing to seek your views on the proposal to implement secure carriageway cycle parking units (bikehangar) on Montpelier Grove. In London there is a growing demand from residents living in high density dwellings (such as high rise flats or large multiple occupancy Victorian housing spread over several floors), with limited space for sheltered secure cycle parking within their properties. Lack of secure long term cycle parking is a deterrent to people using bicycles in Camden. Camden installed 2 bikehangar units for the first time on a trial basis in September 2014; this has received positive reviews from those using it and has not generated any complaints from residents after installation. Since the installation the Council has received over 200 requests for bikehangars from residents across Camden; some of these requests have come from residents of Monpelier Grove.

A key objective of the Camden Transport Strategy is to improve cycling facilities for those both living and visiting Camden. The Council believes the introduction of secure cycle parking facilities would improve cycle parking safety and increase journeys made by bike which would help reduce congestion on Camden’s streets.

The proposed changes are indicated on the drawing overleaf and include the following:

• Remove 3 metres of residents’ parking bay and replace with 1 bikehangar unit protected by fixed bollards at Montpelier Grove junction with Falkland Road. Each bikehangar has 6 secure cycle parking spaces.

There will be a loss of one residents’ parking bay as result of this proposal; however the provision of a secure unit for storing bicycles will benefit 6 residents in the local area. Users who currently have a Controlled Parking Zone Permit would have to give it up in order to obtain a space within the unit. This may result in 6 car parking spaces becoming unoccupied on Montpelier Grove which would compensate for the loss of one residents’ parking bay.

To ensure the scheme is successful and in line with Camden’s Transport Strategy there would be a registration criteria for users to meet. The criteria would prioritise residents that:

• Live on the street (or adjacent one) where the bike parking is proposed
• Do not have a Controlled Parking Zone Permit, (or would be prepared to give theirs up)
• Do not have suitable outside space to store a bike

The Council will take responsibility to install the bikehanagar units, but the management of the unit will be undertaken by the manufacturer (Cyclehoop), who will manage and maintain the bike hangar on a long term basis.

Each bikehangar user would be required to pay an annual subscription directly to Cyclehoop for £30 per year in addition to a £25 refundable deposit for a key. The Council would also contribute to the ongoing management and operation of the scheme and would pay Cyclehoop £540 for the first 3 year period (this amounts to £30 per bike per year).This represents a small subsidy to the users of the scheme to help get the system up and running. It is proposed to remove the subsidy after 3 years so user’s subscription fee would become £60 per bike per year.

Why your views matter

The Council will be pleased to hear your views on this proposal, please respond to this consultation letter by 28 December 2015 to the London Borough of Camden, Culture and Environment Directorate, Transport Strategy Service, FREEPOST RLZH-UEYC-ACZZ, London, WC1H 8EQ. Please note no stamp is required and only ONE reply per household, business or organisation will be accepted. Alternatively you can send your response by email to tabrez.hussain@camden.gov.uk. You must give your full postal address when responding to this letter if you want us to consider your views. This consultation has also been published online at consultations.wearecamden.org

While it will not be possible to reply to you individually, all comments will be taken into account. At the end of this consultation exercise, a report will be prepared outlining the comments received and officers’ recommendations. This report will be presented to The Assistant Director of Environment and Transport who will make a decision whether or not to proceed with the scheme.