Press release

30 October 2012

Free parking!
Secure cycle parking is springing up across Sheffield thanks to the ParkThatBike initiative which has seen more than 100 bike stands installed at local businesses, charities, surgeries, pubs, cafs, shops, offices and places of worship. More Sheffielders are choosing to travel by bike in fact, only in London is cycling increasing at a faster rate making bike security an important issue for those organisations looking to encourage cycling. The flourishing scheme has just secured another year of funding thanks to an air quality grant from the Governments DEFRA Environment Department and support from Sheffield City Council. It offers two stands [see illustration] per applicant. Each stand holds two bikes neatly and securely. The applicant is responsible for installing them, on their own premises. Already 48 organisations have taken advantage of the free stands since the scheme launched in January.
Sarah Coates, Secretary of Lynwood Gardens in Broomhall said: We often have staff and visitors arriving at the Gardens on their bikes and we wanted to provide secure parking and to support environmentally friendly forms of travel. We had two stands free of charge and they are in regular use. I would certainly encourage other voluntary sector groups to take up the offer of free stands. John Wyke, owner of The Old Horns Inn, a popular pub and restaurant in Bradfield, said: We took up the offer of having two bike stands because we wanted to welcome cyclists with a good quality facility. We have fitted the new stands in the car park close to the main door. Kim Gervis, the Business Manager at Manor Training & Resource Centre said: Our organisation provides the people of Sheffield and surrounding areas with the opportunities to obtain skills and qualifications. A growing number of people cycle to the Centre and we wanted to provide them with secure and convenient parking. We had two stands free of charge from ParkThatBike and they are in daily use. From Walkley Community Centre, Nicole Houghton, Treasurer said We took up the offer of having two cycle stands free of charge because we want to make the Centre as accessible as possible and we are keen to encourage sustainable forms of travel, such as cycling. Like many community organisations, funding is often tight, so the offer of free cycle stands was extremely helpful. Continued...

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Cyclists should use a good quality D-lock to secure their bikes to a proper cycle stand. Organisations can improve security by fitting stands on their premises. This will reduce the risk of bikes being stolen and it sends a powerful message that the organisation is doing its bit to promote environmental forms of travel and to cut its carbon footprint. Councillor Leigh Bramall, Sheffield Council Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development, said: "The ParkThatBike scheme is one of several initiatives underway to promote more environmentally-friendly forms of transport and to boost the local economy. Having secured funding we are making infrastructure improvements, helping employers encourage greener forms of commuting and making it easier for people to utilise more sustainable modes of travel" Peter Andrews, from ParkThatBike, said: "I'm delighted to see so many people taking up the offer of free cycle parking and I've been amazed at the incredible diversity of applicant. We're clearly meeting a real need with the ParkThatBike scheme! We have more cycle stands available for organisations with staff, visitors or customers who arrive by bike. Apply on-line via the ParkThatBike website www.ParkThatBike.info or phone 01594 564 344 and ask for a paper copy of the application form.

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For an interview or further information about the ParkThatBike scheme please contact Peter Andrews on 07872 579 549