Bike stands mean business

A cycle scheme has launched in Sunderland to make it easier to travel around the city by bike.

The scheme, which lets organisations apply for free cycle parking stands, is being introduced by Sunderland City Council and managed by social enterprise ParkThatBike.

The scheme is just one of several measures being rolled out to make it easier for people to leave their cars at home and cycle or walk for shorter local trips.

Businesses, community groups, doctor's surgeries, schools, shops, pubs, cafés, churches - in fact almost any organisation that has staff, visitors, or customers who arrive by bike - are eligible to apply.

Organisations can apply for up to four cycle stands free of charge. ParkThatBike will then work with successful applicants to approve the location of the stands.

Conventional bike racks, heart-shaped stands, wall-mounted rails, PlantLocks (a combined planter and bike rack) and free-standing "toast-racks" are options available to businesses.

The City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Claire Rowntree, said: "This latest scheme is just one of the measures we are taking to make cycling in Sunderland safer, easier and more accessible. Encouraging more people to choose cycling over driving will help to improve health and wellbeing, as well as helping us on our way to becoming a carbon neutral city by 2040.

"I would urge any organisation, large or small, to take up this special offer and make their premises secure and welcoming to cyclists."

Scheme co-ordinator Peter Andrews, from ParkThatBike, said: "It's vital that the recent increase in cycling doesn't lead to a spate of bike theft. Good quality cycle parking reduces the likelihood of bikes being stolen or damaged while keeping workplaces safe and tidy.

We're looking forward to helping employers of every type across Sunderland make their premises more cycle-friendly."

To apply for free cycle parking visit www.ParkThatBike.info and download an application form, or phone 01594 564 344. Ends. For an interview or further information about the ParkThatBike scheme please contact Peter Andrews on 01594 564 344.