Chorlton - jumping through (cycle) hoops ?

We understand that Beech Road in Chorlton should soon be joining Edinburgh, Shrewsbury amd the London boroughs of Camden, Islington amd Southwark in trialling the Cyclehoop - a device which converts a lamp-post into a secure bike stand.

The Cycle hoop was designed by Anthony Lau who came up with the idea after his own bike was stolen by being lifted off a traffic sign. Whereas nomal bicycle stands require concreting or drilling into the pavement, the Cyclehoop can be installed within minutes so it is attractive to councils as a cost effective way of reducing bike theft. The suppliers claim that by using the device, roadsigns, lampposts, bollards, bus stops and even traffic lights could all become safe places to lock up your bike..

Photo caption: Cyclehoop, a device which converts a lamp-post into a secure bike stand. (c) Anthony Lau.

See also Guardian Blog  The Cyclehoop converts lamp-posts to kerbside bike racks – will you use them?



Update 14th January 2011.

See below for email from Vicky Rosin, Director of Neighbourhood Services at Manchester City Councillor to Chorlton local councillors.



Dear Councillor Chamberlain, Councillor Ankers,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding cycle parking on Beech Road in Chorlton,

We have previously received requests for cycle parking stands on Beech Road and have investigated their feasibility however, these requests where not able to be progressed owing to the lack of available footway width to safely site cycle parking stands. Other options previously pursued through Ward Co-ordination included discussions with the various businesses along Beech Road, seeking their permission to locate cycle parking stands on the private land outside their frontages. Discussions with businesses have so far not identified a suitable location.

For the last six months, Highway Services have been trialing a 'Cyclehoop' on Charles Street  in the City centre (See attached photo and product brief), seen as a possible cycle parking solution to areas such as Beech Road with high cycle parking demand and limited footway width. The 'Cyclehoop' has so far been positively received by both users and the Street Lighting Client Team.  AMEY (Manchester City Council PFI Street Lighting Contractor) have also lodged no objections to their use.

As a result, it has been agreed that subject to individual site approval by the Street Lighting Team, additional Cyclehoop locations attached to existing Street Lighting Columns can now be considered. Consequently, Beech Road will be one of the first locations in Manchester to be considered for this innovative cycle parking provision within the new financial year subject to the cycle parking budget becoming available.

Regards

Vicky Rosin
Director, Neighbourhood Services
Manchester City Council
Town Hall ( Room 219)
Manchester
M60 2LA