More cycle parking spaces for York city centre

City of York Council says that there are now more than 1,000 bike parking spaces in the centre of the historic city, which will next year host the start of Stage 2 of the Tour de France.

In all, more than 150 new spaces have been created during 2013, an 18 per cent increase since the start of the year, including by extending existing racks at Library Square, Castle Museum, Lendal, Esplanade and Castle Car Park.

Meanwhile, new racks have been put in place at Goodramgate, Piccadilly, King Street, North Street, Nunnery Lane Car Park, Micklegate and outside the Post Office on Lendal.

The additional parking has been provided at a total cost of £25,000 through funding from the council’s Local Transport Plan, while the locations were decided following consultation with local businesses and councillors, as well as the Reinvigorate York board and North Yorkshire Police.

Tim Lewis, who manages the York branch of outdoor clothing retailer Jack Wolfskin, said the bike parking would make travel easier for both shoppers and workers.

“The extra cycle parking in Lendal helps more people make use of York’s extensive cycle network when shopping in the city centre,” he explained. “It is also a welcome addition for several members of staff who cycle to work.”

Councillor Dave Merrett, City of York Council cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, commented: “As more people look to cycling as one of their transport options, as a cost effective and healthy mode of travel it is important that we continue to provide ample parking facilities for cyclists.

“We need to keep up with demand to make it as a convenient as possible for people to choose cycling and also so that cycles aren’t parked in inappropriate places, such as on railings.”

At the start of this year, a new secure cycle parking facility opened at York railway station. Operated by York-based bicycle retailer Cycle Heaven on behalf of East Coast, it provides 24-access to members and has 400 spaces.

In 2010, local charity Bike Rescue Project opened The Hub Station, a secure parking facility with space for 100 bikes. It is housed in a former electricity sub-station, with the building also having a sales area and workshop.