Managing the Cycling Renaissance in Bankside

Sophie TylerBetter Bankside

ECOMM San Sebastián/ Donastia13-15 May 2009

Overview

• Background to Better Bankside

• Cycling related challenges

• Measures implemented

- Cycle parking

- Cycle maintenance

- Research

• Conclusions

What is Better Bankside?

• UK’s third ever Business Improvement District

• Set up in April 2005• 300 business members• Financed by ‘levy’ on top of

business tax• Services include: Cleaning,

Safety, Area Promotion, CSR and Travel Planning

• Focused on area south of the City of London around the Tate Modern

Better Bankside Master Travel Plan

Key targets are to increase by 50% by 2010:

1. the share of people who walk to work, amongst those who live within a 2 mile radius.

2. the share of people who cycle to work, amongst those who live within a 5 mile radius.

3. the number of work related journeys made to locations within London on foot (2006: 20%)

4. the number of work related journey made to locations within London by bicycle (2006: 3%)

Cycling in London

• 91% increase in share of trips made since 2000 (from low baseline)

• Key recent initiatives include plans for Central London Cycle Hire scheme & cycling ‘super highways’

• BUT different level of provision throughout city

Challenges

Space for Parking

• Central London – generally lack of parking space

• New developments – planning restrictions on car parking

• Old(er) multi occupier buildings have no basements

SO no space to adapt to cycle parking

Plus…• Limited space on street for

visitor / short term cycle parking

Cycle Security and Maintenance

• Cycle theft from around the area (employees and visitors)

• ‘New’ cyclists not hobby cyclists – not skilled at maintenance

Measures

Secure Cycle Parking

Different options explored:• Hire space in existing car park• Hire space in new development

(cycle parking or car park spaces)

• Set up temporary facility using re-fitted shipping container

Issues to resolve:• Security and access • The aesthetics of shipping

containers!

Cycle security on street

• Working with LB Southwark & TfL to install more on street cycle parking

• Piloting 12 ‘cyclehoops’ • Working with Better Bankside

Rangers to inform cyclists where NOT to park!

Cycle maintenance

• Free basic check once a month. Over 190 cyclists benefited since June 2008

• Regular free cycle maintenance training sessions (mixed and women only). 60 people trained since September 2008.

Research

• Part of development of vision for Bankside in 2015

• Look at scope for increased rates of walking and cycling

Ask:• What has made a difference?• What more could be done:

- Infrastructure?- Training?- Marketing?

• Links with work on Bankside Urban Forest (public realm design framework)

Conclusions

Analysis

• Pressure on public transport means cycling must be part of London’s business travel mix

• Even now in recessions, still problems with overcrowding (Underground, Train, Bus)

• Requires partnership approach• London cycling is changing - flexibility is key

Enlightened Business Approach

• Recognition that cycling part of business solution

• Facilities for staff (parking, showers, lockers)

• Time off in lieu for every cycle commute trip (Forster for Change)

• Pool bikes (Allies and Morrison)

Allies and Morrison Architects

Transport for London Approach

• Central London Cycle Hire Scheme

• Cycling ‘super highways’• Cycle parking near key

destinations• Cycling promoted to

businesses via ‘Corporate’ and ‘Enterprise’ travel plan funding scheme

• Left to local Boroughs to put in additional infrastructure (cycle paths, contraflows, etc)

Better Bankside Approach

1. Find space! Secure parking and cyclehoops

2. Cycle security – working with Better Bankside Rangers

3. Recognise needs of ‘new’ cyclists (e.g. cycle maintenance)

4. Folding bikes as pool bicycles 5. Research to inform future

measures6. Work together with Transport

for London, Southwark Council, Southwark Cyclists and individual business Bicycle User Groups

Thank youAny questions?

Sophie TylerTravel Plan Coordinator

Better Banksidest@betterbankside.co.uk

www.betterbankside.co.uk