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Posts Tagged ‘Cycle stands’

Olympic cyclists and gold medal hopes Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton are backing the promotion of safe cycling campaign throughout London running the through The Times.

The campaign was backed by David Cameron told Parliament that cyclists risked their lives whenever they rode in Britain’s biggest cities as the Government came under intense pressure to improve cycle safety. MPs are expected to call for urgent measures to protect cyclists and encourage a greater uptake of cycling.

Whilst this is a positive step towards the safety of cycling and the promotion of the health and financial benefits through cycling it does come with its own problems.

With such heavy campaigning and backing from the Government there is bound to be a massive immediate uptake on people cycling to work rather than using their cars or public transport. This puts pressure on businesses having to provide adequate cycle parking solutions. Sheffield cycle stands offer the versatility whilst not taking up too much valuable space, but are open to the elements. Arc cycle shelters are an option that gives a glazed shelter over 5 cycle stands taking 10 bikes.

The problem escalates when you think of the amount of cycle stands required in areas of public space within towns and cities. Where is the space required for such demand, the main areas of employment in the capital are already to capacity with the ground space available.

The campaign is vital to sustainability and the future health of the nation, a campaign long overdue, however there has to be thought given to the feasibility and practical requirements of cycle parking provisions.

The Government is promoting the personal health benefits of cycling, also the benefit to the environment with the reduction of car number, reduced congestion and a better quality of air.

Cycling to work helps you stay fit and healthy, burns a lot of calories and reduces your carbon foot print too. The average user burns around 8400 calories per month by cycling to work, equivalent to 20 hours in the gym. Not only are there health benefits, the average user saves over £600 in fuel and running costs of a vehicle, whilst avoiding traffic congestion.

Within the Government’s Green Transport Plan there is a tax emption which allows employers to provide cycles and safety equipment to employees as a tax free benefit. The employer buys the bikes and accessories at full retail price, reclaiming the VAT in the normal manner. The balance is recovered from the employee’s gross salary, giving the employer savings on National Insurance contributions.

Cycle stands are now an essential part of schools, universities, town centres, business parks and other public space. Bike storage is now a prerequisite in planning applications for business parks. With many styles available the most popular model is the Sheffield cycle stand, which offers versatility in being a stand-alone external cycle stand or an integral part of a secure cycle shelter.

By installing cycle parking you are encouraging people to get outdoors and make use of public spaces, where they can make use of cost effective local transportation.