Item no

Report no

5.15

TI+E/87/11-12/SfC

On-Street Residential Bike Parking for Tenement Areas

Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee
21 February 2012

Purpose of report 1 To inform the Committee on progress with the development of a pilot project to trial the installation of covered on-street cycle parking for the use of residents. This is in response to the motion raised by Councillor Gordon Mackenzie that was approved at the 10 May 2011 Committee (see Appendix 1).

Main report 2 The issue of residential bike parking is a particularly significant problem for Edinburgh where there is a large proportion of older tenemental properties which generally do not have areas available for bike parking (this is now included as standard in new developments). A trial was undertaken by the Council in 2006 and encountered a broad range of problems including gaining agreement from all the owners of a stair, space restrictions, Planning concerns and future maintenance. In 2010 the cycle campaign Spokes employed a consultant to look into the issues of storing bicycles within tenements and flats. This reaffirmed that finding solutions within residential properties in Edinburgh can be very problematic due to the multiple ownership of stairwells and Building/Planning regulations. However, a number of potential solutions were identified either in-flat, in the stairwell, utilising backgreens or via on-street storage (see Appendix 2 for the factsheet produced as a result of this work). Whilst the first three solutions can potentially be tackled by residents the latter is more suited to action by the Council which has control over most of the streets in the city as local Roads Authority.

93496_On Street Residential Bike Parking.doc

Provision of on-street cycle parking presents its own challenges including the identification of suitable locations for installation, Planning considerations, management of access to the parking and ongoing maintenance. Cycling Action C33 of the Active Travel Action Plan commits the Council to running a further pilot project to try to overcome these issues and this will enable the trialling, on a small scale, of different approaches. This will also assist the Council in developing requirements for the possible provision of on-street cycle parking by a third party. Applications have been sought from residents interested in working with the Council to trial three different types of on-street cycle parking covered racks, cycle lockers and uncovered cycle racks. Whilst uncovered racks do not provide shelter from the elements or as much protection from theft/vandalism they are cheaper and simpler to install and have less need for management/maintenance. Cycle racks are currently installed by the Council around the city for short term use but their suitability/attractiveness for residential cycle parking has not been assessed. It has therefore been decided to include this type of parking as an option to be trialled. The next step will be to determine the exact locations and the type of facility to be installed (for up to six sites) decided in consultation with local residents. Where carriageway space is to be utilised Traffic Regulation Orders will be required and these involve a statutory consultation. Consultation will also be required on Streetscape issues. It is therefore expected that the installation of the cycle parking at the pilot sites would happen between late 2012 and early 2013. Evaluation would then be undertaken after a minimum six month period to assess the effectiveness of the different approaches. The author of the report has met with Councillor Mackenzie to discuss and understand the motion.

Financial Implications 8 Capital funding to implement the pilot project will be required in the 2012-13 financial year. It is estimated that 50,000 will be required to install cycle parking for up to six sites. This would be provided from the Scottish Governments Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets allocation to the Council, the Councils Cycle Block, other external funding sources or a combination of these. To minimise management costs the applicants have been asked to assist in the operation of any parking installed. However, any other costs associated with ongoing maintenance/management would be borne by the appropriate Neighbourhood Team revenue budget.

Equalities Impact 10 There are no adverse impacts on any race, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation or religion/belief group as a result of this report. As such, no full Equalities Impact Assessment is required.

Environmental Impact 11 There are no adverse environmental impacts expected to arise as a result of this report.

Recommendations 12 It is recommended that: a) the Committee notes the progress to date on the implementation of a pilot residential cycle parking project; the Committee discharges the motion of the 10 May 2011 and a 2006 committee action; and a report is presented to the Committee on the operation and effectiveness of the cycle parking after a six month period of operation.

b)

c)

Mark Turley Director of Services for Communities

Appendices

1 Motion by Councillor Gordon Mackenzie 2 How to be: A Cycling Flat-Dweller, Spokes Factsheet, January 2011 Chris Brace, 0131 469 3602, chris.brace@edinburgh.gov.uk Phil Noble, 0131 469 3803, phil.noble@edinburgh.gov.uk All wards

Contact/tel/Email

Wards affected

Single Outcome Agreement

Supports National Outcome 6 We live longer, healthier lives Supports Local Outcome Active travel, namely walking and cycling, allows people to integrate health improving physical activity into their daily lives. Supports National Outcome 10 We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need Supports National Outcome 12 We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations Supports National Outcome 14 We reduce the local and global impact of our consumption and production Supports Local Outcome Edinburgh residents and businesses find sustainable travel options increasingly attractive resulting in growth in traffic levels being contained.

Background Papers

None *

Appendix 1 Covered On-Street Cycle Storage Motion by Councillor Gordon Mackenzie

The following motion by Councillor Gordon Mackenzie was submitted in terms of Standing Order 28: Committee notes that the lack of suitable cycle storage facilities is reported to be a significant deterrent to increased cycle use in parts of Edinburgh. Committee therefore instructs the Head of Transport to work with appropriate user groups, residents and other stakeholders to source funding for the establishment of a number of pilot schemes to provide covered on-street storage for bicycles. Committee further instructs that these schemes should be evaluated and reported to a future meeting in sufficient time to consider inclusion of an extension of on street cycle storage in the reprocurement of bus shelter maintenance and associated contracts.

A CYCLING FLAT-DWELLER
HOW TO BE:
The problem to be solved

BIKE STORAGE FOR TENEMENTS AND FLATS

SPOKES FACTSHEET JANUARY 2011

The Lothian Cycle Campaign

The number and type of bikes to be stored The security of your existing bike storage Other spaces that might be used Neighbours views, and permissions needed

This factsheet suggests some ideas and contacts that might help you keep a bike for your everyday travel. Some things to think about include

A fuller version of this fact-sheet, and a Product Database, is available online at www.spokes.org.uk
Go to: Downloads > Technical > Tenements Storage Project

Want to use a bike for every-day travel, but live in a flat with nowhere to store one?
Edinburgh is increasingly a cycling city, and both Spokes and the City of Edinburgh Council want to help more people to cycle more often. For many residents, improving bike storage at home is a necessary first step.
2. Storage at stairwell-level, including back-greens etc 3. Community level storage, e.g. on-street facilities 1. Storage for an individual: bike choice, security, in-flat options

We cover some of the practical options and issues below as follows:

HOW TO BE A CYCLING FLAT DWELLER

Use one or more decent locks, and secure both wheels and frame. Look for the Sold Secure logo. Lock to something immovable. Remove or secure items such as saddle, lights and panniers. Ensure your bike wont slip down, to minimise vandalism to wheels. Will you need to spend more on locks etc, especially for an expensive bike stored out of your sight? Get a waterproof bike cover to keep off rain and screen it from thieves. Obviously, a bike stored outside your flat is at greater risk from theft so minimise the temptation:

Use stairwell door locks; talk to neighbours about keeping doors shut. Bike thieves find banisters and rails easy to force or cut (and theyre expensive to repair).

1.1 Choose a Bike with Storage in Mind

Think carefully about storage when choosing a bike: Is it worth spending more on a bike light enough to carry upstairs?

1.2 Make Your Bike as Secure as Possible

Would a folding bike meet your needs?

TACKLING STORAGE AS AN INDIVIDUAL

Register your bike with the Police and security-mark it, e.g. www.bikeregister.com Carrying your bike upstairs isn't ideal but storing a bike in your flat offers good security at least. With a bit of organisation, you might fit in more bikes than you'd think. Even small storage improvements can improve stairwell tidiness and security, and reduce conflicts with neighbours as well as encouraging more cycling. Obviously cost/security trade-offs, and building regulations, must all be considered too. Consider the clearance space needed around the bike (especially handlebars). Protect wall/floors from bike dirt. Seek landlord permission, if required, before fixing equipment to walls or ceilings, or use free-standing options. Many different storage fittings are available the database on the Spokes website gives some options, and check your local DIY/hardware store. Consider wall hooks, brackets, ceiling pulleys/hoists, etc to hang bikes, but always follow manufacturers advice about maximum weights and wall-quality. Some brackets can fold up against the wall when not in use.

1.3 Keeping a Bike in Your Flat

TACKLING STORAGE AT STAIRWELL-LEVEL

Discuss with neighbours whether space might be used better, for bikes and anything else, always keeping fire safety in mind. Better organisation may also improve access to exits and back-greens, and make cleaning easier. Remove 'dead' or unused bikes that might be taking up space, but use a clear process to avoid unintended 'theft'.. The Bike Station has a factsheet www.thebikestation.org.uk/donating

In-flat bike storage is often impossible, and stairwells may seem to be the best option.

2.1 Get Organised

2.2 Fixtures and Fittings

Some relatively simple equipment might improve bike security and stairwell accessibility: Wall-mounted brackets or racks (see in-flat solutions above). Lockable fire-proof containers for single or multiple bikes. Be aware of the constraints posed by Building Control (see Regulations and Permissions).

Rings/anchors for locking bikes, secured to wall or floor, or free-standing heavy ones. Bike stands, e.g. a Sheffield rack, or several joined as a toast-rack, fixed or free-standing. Avoid the butterfly-shaped wheel-benders.

Small hallway with five bikes! Two on the floor, one wall mounted and two hanging from ceiling. Wall hook behind door (credit: Melanie Mann) Neatly folded Brompton in a flat hallway
(credit: Malcolm Fraser) (credit: John Welford)

Images (from left to right):

BIKE STORAGE FOR TENEMENTS AND FLATS

Improving bike storage is likely to be much easier if you build and maintain good relations with neighbours. A useful formal approach is through Stair Committees or Owners Associations, which aim to facilitate agreements on repairs, maintenance and new facilities (such as bike storage). The Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/homeworks has links to information on organising an Owners Association, plus advice for home-owners (Homeworks) and for private tenants and landlords (Letwise).

Consider possible storage spaces in backgreens, coal cellars, etc. discuss with neighbours. Various hardware options might help, e.g.

Hoops / bars attached to walls or to suitable vertical supports, if space is inadequate for racks.

2.3 Storing Bikes Outside (within the tenement boundary)

2.4 Tackling Bike Storage Collectively

Bike lockers for single or multiple bikes, or lockable sheds.

Sheffield stands or toast-racks, possibly with covers.

Many residents are unaware or confused about what building controls, planning constraints or other regulations might apply in relation to bike storage. a) Building Controls can pose a significant constraint. To comply with fire regulations, no item should be stored in the stairwell or access route to the main entrance. - If you do use stairwell space, crucially, bikes must not obstruct exits. Ensure that there is clear access of at least 800mm (standard door width), and that bikes are secure and unlikely to fall. - For advice, contact Building Standards on 0131 529 7826 (central) / 529 4644 (North) / 4655 (South) or email buildingwarrant.applications

- A mainly enclosed facility (e.g., a cycle locker) should not be situated within 3m of a tenement external wall. Covered racks outside flats might require a Building Warrant.

REGULATIONS AND PERMISSIONS

Stairwell toast-rack (credit: Sam Anwar)

Images (clockwise from top left):

Wall-mounted rack at the bottom of a stairwell (credit: Steve Leslie) Stairwell vertical bike racks (credit: TPi)

b) Planning Permission may be required for any external facility within the curtilage of a flatted property. Properties in conservation areas need additional consents. - For advice, contact the Planning & Building Standards Department 0131 529 3571 / email planning@edinburgh.gov.uk, or visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/planning c) Listed Building constraints may also apply, if bike storage would affect the character or appearance (internal or external) of the building. - Consent may be needed regardless of category (A, B or C), and even if equipment wont actually be attached.

- For advice, contact the Listed Buildings Team 0131 529 3550 / email listed.buildings@edinburgh.gov.uk

@edinburgh.gov.uk

- Ask for solutions appropriate for your situation, giving as much detail as possible in support (numbers of residents, cyclists, current usage of space for car parking, footway space etc.)

- Ask the Police Crime Prevention Officers for security advice - tel 0131 311 3131 The Spokes campaign to improve residential bike storage continues to develop. Feedback, suggestions and ideas that would help others are very welcome email: spokesbikestorage@spokes.org.uk Wed especially welcome information about any actions taken by you or neighbours to improve bike storage.

- Lobby for more weather-proof and secure solutions such as shelters or lockers. Of course, the more robust (and expensive) the facility, the more youll have to argue your case.

Even if in-flat, stairwell or back-green storage seem impossible for your situation, there is still hope! Talk to your councillors (3 or 4 for each ward - see www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors 0131 529 3186) about on-street bike storage for your area. Encouragingly, Edinburgh Councils 2010 Active Travel Action Plan refers specifically to piloting on-street residential bike storage.

- At its simplest, on-street bike storage could be in the form of Sheffield racks. To suggest a specific location where these could help, email cycling@edinburgh.gov.uk

HOW TO BE A CYCLING FLAT DWELLER // BIKE STORAGE FOR TENEMENTS AND FLATS COMMUNITY-LEVEL SOLUTIONS: ON-STREET STORAGE Want to cycle more, and looking for information?
www.spokes.org.uk Spokes campaigns for better conditions for using a bike for your everyday work and leisure journeys. Spokes also produces highly-regarded cycle maps for Edinburgh and theLothians, as well as running Sunday rides and an informative website. www.citycyclingedinburgh.org Cycling discussion forums, info

The Lothian Cycle Campaign

More information and future updates will be available from the Spokes Tenements Storage Project webpage... www.spokes.org.uk (Go to Downloads > Technical > Tenements Storage) Other Cycle Campaigns are also working on cycle parking and storage, e.g. the London Cycling Campaign: www.lcc.org.uk and the Cambridge Cycle Campaign: www.camycle.org.uk/ resources/cycleparking/guide

AND FINALLY

www.thebikestation.org.uk Edinburghs bicycle recycling charity. Quality re-conditioned bikes at good prices.

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cycling Council cycling information, local cycling maps, other useful weblinks / organisations.

St. Martins Church, 232 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2JG 0131.313.2114 (answerphone) / spokes @ spokes.org.uk www.spokes.org.uk / twitter.com/Spokeslothian

suppliers does not imply endorsement. etc change from time to time.

various ways. Spokes is also very grateful for input from City of Edinburgh Council officers in Building Control, Planning and Cycling policy. Whilst the information here is understood to While every effort has been made to make this any errors or omissions. Mention of particular accept no responsibility for the consequences of information as accurate as possible, Spokes can

be correct at the time of going to press, regulations

January 2011.

design by Hillside Agency. Copyright Spokes,

Our thanks to the many Spokes members and other Edinburgh residents who contributed in

Support us by joining Spokes! www.spokes.org.uk

(credit: Katherine Ivory) (credit: Cycling England)

The Spokes Bike Storage project was funded by the Scottish Governments Climate Challenge Fund. background research by TPi Consultants, and This factsheet was written by Katherine Ivory, with

Images (clockwise from top): Cycle store On-street Sheffield Racks

(credit: Jan Kuipers Nunspeet)

Dutch-style Bread-bin