| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Ugly Bikehangars | |
| Posted by: | Joanna Biddolph | |
| Date/Time: | 03/12/19 13:32:00 |
| I raised this issue with officers - their ugly design, the risk of break in - while of course supporting places to park bikes safely. Here's the reply: "Thank you for your email. I can confirm that 5 responses were received to the consultation, all of which we in support of installing the hangar in its proposed location. "Since your email below, I have met with Cyclehoop, the manufacturers of the bike hanger and discussed the questions you raised. There are minor design changes planned for the next version of the bike hangar, the launch date for which has yet to be finalised. These changes are mainly around the alterations to the mesh design at the sides of the hanger and providing digital access, rather than a whole scale redesign. The hanger has been designed with dimensions than minimise its visual impact on the street, particularly within a line of parked vehicles, while maximising the internal space for cycle parking. "The look of the bike hangers has also been discussed with the borough’s conservation officer, regarding their appropriateness for conservations area, and no concerns have been raised. Given that they are usually installed in car parking spaces, and there is no required visual standard on the appearance of a car (which can be old or intrusive in the case of larger cars and vans), it is deemed that the hanger is not a visual intrusion. I appreciate opinion on this matter will vary between individuals, interestingly Cyclehoop confirmed the Edinburgh Council has recently ordered 200 units, many of which will be installed within their World Heritage Site. While we currently have relatively few in Hounslow as a borough, bike hangers can be found in many nearby boroughs in London. "I also questioned Cyclehoop regarding their safety, and they confirmed break-ins are rare. Keys are only issued to users who rent a space, so access is restricted and the only way to break into the hanger is to angle-grind the metal corners. Due to the noise and disturbance of such an act, this has only happened in a very small number of instances for bike hanger locations well away from the public highway. "If there are any other specific concerns you have, do please let me know as I’d be more than happy to put these to Cyclehoop. I am preparing a Chief Officer Decision regarding progressing this scheme, and will send it to yourself and fellow ward councillors as soon as possible." |