Public Cycle Lockers

[Drago]

A good one is less vulnerable to thst than a shackle. Armoured shoulders protecting the shank makes it near impossible to attack. Its probably be easier to attack the hinges.

In any case, you'd want a better one than one that the owners can easily snip off an empty locker.

 

[steve30]

I could see why someone at the council would zip tie them if they had just cleaned rubbish out of them all.

Looking at the photo it appears that most have padlocks on them. Are these council padlocks? It could also be to stop the homeless and druggies usung them.

The top photo was taken back in 2018. A lot of those padlocks were abandoned, and litter was locked inside them. After a lot of effort, I got the council to remove them. The bottom photo was taken last year. Litter has not been cleaned from them since probably 2022.

For those wondering, here is what the Transportation Manager at the council told me in 2018:

I apologise that the litter has not been removed from the cycle lockers. I have now met with senior colleagues and procedures are being put in place to ensure that lockers are checked in future and litter is removed. This issue has now been raised and will be programmed in with the relevant street cleansing team.

As you will be aware, the provision of cycle lockers in the town centre was established on the basis that they would be self managing. This therefore relies on the trust between the Council and consideration by the users of the lockers. In order to determine which lockers are being used and which remain empty/padlocked the situation will be monitored over the next month.

I understand your frustration as padlocked empty lockers render them unusable to the general public. Now the council is aware of this issue we will be seeking a better way to manage this in the future. Your feedback is always welcome and we will endeavour to assist where practically possible.

 

[steve30]

Spokesafe have a few hubs around the UK, they are a great addition to safe cycle parking

Spokesafe have one in Sheffield, which, last time I checked, costs £1/day (quite reasonable), but requires you to sign up through some phone-app or website, provide them with a copy of your passport/driving license, and book a space each time. It seems to be perpetually empty, while the free "Sheffield Stands" outside are regularly in use. Can't think why.

Sheffield does also have a new cycle hub (in addition to the old one at the train station). I think its a fiver per month or something, but it looks nice, has lights, CCTV, toilets and a changing room. Quite good for the price.

I don't think something like that would work in Rotherham. We simply don't have enough cyclists to warrant any charging or bureaucracy. Especially when we have free car parking.

 

[brommieinkorea]

Of course car parking is free and unregulated ? The few times I've found bike lockers here in the USA, they've been trashed, broken, or locked empty or sometimes welded shut. It's an empty gesture.

 

[steve30]

Just went past them today on my way back from somewhere else and noticed they'd reinstated the zip ties.

lol

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Just went past them today on my way back from somewhere else and noticed they'd reinstated the zip ties.

lol

Well, you know what to do

 

[HLaB]

Just went past them today on my way back from somewhere else and noticed they'd reinstated the zip ties.

lol

At a set of lockers I was using, I heard that it was bike thieves that would put a cheap cr@p padlock on (zip ties are even cheaper) so folk finding or thinking they are full, in a rush for a train would leave their bike locked to an open air stand they could target!

 

[PaulSB]

I've used one at a train station. When I got back the padlock was cut and a very nice Marin San Rafael was gone.

It's too easy for a thief to wait, watch and spot a bike worth stealing. One minute with a pair of bolt cutters and the bike is gone.

I would never use one again.