Transport and Air Quality Committee Minutes
16 September 2024

Information about cycle parking in the borough was posted in the blog on 12 September 2024. Further discussion is in the minutes at LONDON BOROUGH OF RICHMOND UPON THAMES Given council policies on cycling this is an important issue. The application of the discussion to East Sheen and Mortlake requires careful community consideration, especially in light of whatever development there is at the Stag Brewery. What follows is a shortened version of the minutes. 
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There are two broad categories of cycle parking: short stay and long stay, serving different purposes. Providing spaces for hireable dockless bikes has also emerged as an important consideration in supporting cycling. Short stay parking is publicly accessible cycle parking that should be located close to common trip destinations, such as shops, GP surgeries and leisure destinations. 
The primary principle for placing these stands is ensuring that the pavement is not obstructed. 

Long stay cycle parking is secure cycle parking primarily located at places of residence or at workplaces for employee use. Security can be provided by either providing Sheffield stands within a locked area, such as a basement or gated yard, or through lockable shelters, such as bikehangars. 

The greatest opportunity for improving short-stay cycle parking provision is to provide additional cycle stands in areas of high demand, such as town centres. As cycling levels have increased, existing stands have come under additional pressure, recently compounded by dockless e-bikes commonly being stored adjacent to stands and thus reducing capacity for cyclists needing to use them. 

Increasing the overall numbers can be achieved through adding additional stands to existing clusters of stands, providing additional single stands spread across an area or introducing new clusters. The aim is to both increase capacity in areas where existing provision does not meet demand while also providing cycle parking across more areas within the borough. 

The default position will be to place stands on roads, rather than on pavements, either as relocatable cycle parking parklets, pavement build outs or stands anchored in the existing roadway with kerbing or planter boxes to serve as a barrier to protect the area from vehicles. Reappropriating existing car parking spaces to other uses does require undertaking a traffic order procedure.

Long stay cycle parking 

Bikehangars are a safe and secure long stay cycle parking option for standard bicycles, with each unit providing six spaces. Locations for new bikehangars are determined by resident requests, with demand highest in more built-up areas of Richmond and Twickenham. 


Parking for non-standard bicycles 

Lack of dedicated street parking spaces for cargo and other non-standard bicycles near schools, playgrounds and in town centres is a major concern to many potential users. The parking of a bicycle on the pavement without it causing an obstruction is difficult due to narrow pavements. Leaving a cargo bike in the road also risks damage or theft unless it is able to be suitably anchored and protected. 

Providing dedicated parking spaces for cargo bikes and other non-standard bicycles, such as tricycles, near destination points for young families, i.e. primary schools, playgrounds and libraries would go a long way to encourage usage and raise awareness of cargo bikes amongst young families. 

The use of dockless bikes will continue to be supported within the borough. Richmond Council will continue to work closely with operators to refine their policies and the supply of designated bays will be frequently reviewed to ensure that dockless bikes are not obstructing pavements. 

Comment: The Council will need to be more open in their discussions with Lime and Forest, whose e-bikes are the main culprits in being left for days lying around on pavements. They have maps showing where their bikes have been left. They seem to show little inclination to reduce the inconvenience to pedestrians. There are also stories about bikes being noisily collected in the small hours to the disturbance of residents.