Glasgow cycle storage scheme set for major expansion

The roll-out of 500 new on-street cycle-storage units in Glasgow will begin early this year as part of a contract between the city council and storage provider Cyclehoop.

According to the council, the new units mark a “significant expansion” of the scheme and will provide up to 3000 additional “safe, secure storage spaces for people who live in tenement flats”.

“Our on-street cycle storage programme has proven hugely popular over the last few years with strong demand for more spaces across the city,” said Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow city convener for transport.

“I am delighted that the planned expansion will help to meet that demand and help break down a barrier that we know stops people from using their bike on a regular basis. Living in a flat can put people off cycling because they’ve nowhere to put their bike at home or it’s unsafe to leave it in the stairwell of their block.

“Access to safe, secure storage at street level close to people’s homes is making cycling more accessible for everyday journeys for people living in flats and I look forward to more people across Glasgow benefiting from this roll-out in the coming years.”

High demand

Following a trial in 2021, the scheme currently provides over 1200 storage spaces through 205 units across Glasgow.

The council says demand for the units has been high, with 96 percent of spaces occupied on average and almost 3000 names currently on a waiting list for a place.

Cyclehoop secured a five-year contract worth up to £2.5 million (US$3.08 million) following an open tendering process and a decision by the council’s Contracts and Property Committee.

“It’s a privilege to work with Glasgow on their forward-thinking cycle parking and infrastructure plans,” said Anthony Lau, Founder and Design Director at Cyclehoop.

“Seeing the change around the city and hearing from Bikehangar customers first-hand, it’s great to see how providing people with secure, accessible cycle storage can really change lives. We look forward to continuing this transformation over the next five years.”

It is anticipated that 120 units will be installed per year for the first three years of the contract with the remainder brought in over the final two years.

The council added that new locations will be determined by a number of factors, including requests and demand, the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, type of architecture and proximity to existing or planned cycle routes.

Image: Glasgow City Council