Trial of secure cycle parking underway
Midlothian Council has started a trial of secure, destination-based cycle parking across four locations. This will allow cyclists in the area to park their bikes safely and enjoy stress‑free cycling.
Partnership
This scheme is delivered in partnership with Cyclehoop, a company which designs innovative cycling infrastructure aimed at helping more people experience the health, social, and environmental benefits of cycling. Its network of on‑street 'Bikehangars' is the largest of its kind in the world.
Funding
The initiative has been made possible thanks to a People and Place grant, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by SEStran. This programme supports behaviour-change projects that help people choose active or sustainable travel over car use. The scheme contributes directly to three of the four objectives in the Regional Transport Strategy.
Bikehangars
As part of the project, four Bikehangars have been installed in the area to test how secure, short-stay cycle parking can support residents and visitors in Midlothian.
Locations
In Midlothian, the Bikehangars can be found at Lasswade Leisure Centre, Sheriffhall Park & Ride, Jarnac Court in Dalkeith and Penicuik Precinct.
High standard of security
Bikehangars provide weatherproof spaces for bicycles, protecting them from theft and damage. They are designed and tested to deliver a high standard of security for on‑street cycle parking and hold a ‘Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond Accreditation’ - the highest possible rating for cycle storage.
Rent on App
Anyone wanting to use the Bikehangers just needs to download the free Cyclehoop App from the App Store or Google Play. Spaces can be rented on a flexible, on‑demand basis by creating an account which will allow users to locate spaces and make payments.
User Fees
To use the service, a small fee is charged to the user to park in the unit. This fee goes directly towards maintenance and upkeep of the bikehangars.
Pricing will start at £0.50 for up to 2 hours, £1.00 for up to 6 hours, £2.00 for up to 12 hours, £3.00 for up to 18 hours, and £4.00 for up to 24 hours.
Benefits to local area
This storage offers convenient short‑term parking while people shop, exercise, or commute. The system is designed to support increased footfall in local centres by reducing car dependency and making public spaces more attractive places to spend time. Research shows that people who walk or cycle to a destination spend more in local shops than those who drive.
Survey
The decision regarding locations and pricing was largely based on the results of Midlothian Council’s Secure Cycle Storage Survey carried out between May 27 – June 27 last year.
- View the survey results.
Enabling more people to cycle
Anthony Lau, Founder and Design Director at Cyclehoop said:
“It’s great to see Midlothian Council looking at ways in which secure cycle parking can be used to enable modal shift for people across the county at very different locations. Understanding where cycle parking can provide the best value for residents is important and we’re looking forward to working closely with the council to ensure that the service delivers the right solution to enable more people to cycle.”
Promoting active travel
SEStran Partnership Director, Brian Butler, said:
"We are delighted that People and Place funding is supporting new public cycle storage units across Midlothian. Our People and Place grants aim to help more people walk, wheel and cycle, and secure bike storage is an important part of making that possible. We are looking forward to hearing how these new units support local journeys and encourage more people to choose active travel."