Secure bike storage to be installed in Portsmouth roads

Lockable shelters, known as hangars, that can house up to six bikes are set to be installed across eight roads in Portsmouth

Launching next week, the scheme is set to run at no cost to users for six months, with a charge of £30 a year after that.

Councillor Lynne Stagg, the council's traffic and transport boss, said: 'We know that many residents in the city really struggle with bicycle storage at home due to lack of outside space and this scheme will provide a practical solution to this problem.

'Renting a space in one of the secure hangars will be a huge advantage to anyone who normally struggles to carry their bike up to a flat or through a terraced house. If storage has stopped people from previously owning a bike, this could be a great opportunity to get one.

'I would encourage anyone who lives near one of trial roads to sign up for a space before they all get snapped up.'

The first hangars will be installed in Manners Road and Lucknow Street on March 15. Additional hangars in Eastfield Road, Addison Road, Hunter Road, Clarence Road, Guildford Road and Sultan Road will be installed by March 26.

Each hangar will take up up between half and one vehicle space on the road.

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Cllr Stagg added: 'We've listened to cyclists' requests and investigated, over the past few months, a variety of bike hangar providers and I'm delighted that we are able to introduce this scheme.

'The hangars are part of a wider transport programme to encourage and enable more people to take part in more healthy, active travel.'

Access to the hangars will be offered on a first come, first served basis to residents living nearby.

If the scheme proves popular the council will seek further funding to expand bike hangars to other roads throughout the city.

Residents can nominate their road for a hangar in the future and find out more about the trial by visiting travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bikehangars.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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