The plan is to focus bike bunkers in high-density terraced areas
Belfast Council is to look at trialling “Bike Bunkers,” following the recent success of the bicycle storage system in Dublin.
Bike bunkers are secure, weatherproof storage units for bicycles, designed to protect them from theft, vandalism, and the weather. They can take the form of plastic lockers or more robust metal sheds that store multiple bikes, and are useful in residential and business settings.
At a Belfast City Council committee meeting, elected members agreed to a motion by Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth, calling for a feasibility report looking into a bike bunker trial for the city.
READ MORE: Plans proposed in Belfast centre for 1.5km of new cycle lane and pavement
READ MORE: Responsibility for clearing up autumn leaves results in legal stand-off between Belfast City Council and Stormont
The motion states: “This council notes the progress being made by Dublin City Council in regard to the Bike Bunkers scheme and their recent trial of this project. They are a way to securely store bikes for those who don’t have easy access to off-street storage, particularly in terrace housing.
“This council will seek to commit to carrying out a trial to find where demand is across Belfast, and where people can register their interest. (The council will) work collaboratively with our partners such as the Department of Infrastructure and cycling advocacy groups, as we look to find ways to support and expand practical sustainable city living.”
Councillor Smyth said at the November meeting of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee: “I am bringing the motion following the success of the Bike Bunker trial in Dublin, which is now being expanded out to over 300 sites across the city. They are a way to secure and store bikes for those who don’t have the space or access, in high density terraced housing in working class areas across the city.
“Location will be the most important aspect of this, we want to make sure they don’t take away space from pedestrians or make walking more inconvenient. They should always really take the place of an on-street parking spot.
“There are good arguments for this. How many bicycles can you store in a space against one car – it is usually five to 10 against one car.”
He added: “The bunkers would need to be in areas that are well-lit and well-populated, if they are down dark side-streets or in alleyways behind buildings it will leave them less likely to be used by women and children and more vulnerable people.
“I would like the council to identify five to 10 streets across Belfast where this can be trialled. I want to throw it out to other councillors in this city, who could suggest potential locations near them that they think could actually work.
“I know for some there will always be an issue with taking away a parking space, but I think it is important for us to start to build examples for change, if we are ever going to get moving on building a more sustainable city.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter
#Belfast #Dublinstyle #Bike #Bunker #trial
