Lambeth Council has rolled out the borough’s first adapted bike hangars, in a bid to make it easier for residents of all abilities to safely store their bikes.
There are currently 423 bike hangars in Lambeth, providing 2,538 cycle spaces.
However, the council says many adapted cycles, such as tandems or hand bikes, do not fit inside because of their larger dimensions.
Therefore, it has launched a scheme where adapted bike users can apply for an adapted hangar for their street.
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy council leader and cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “We are making cycling easier and more accessible for everyone in Lambeth, but ensuring we have the right infrastructure is crucial.
“That means providing space for people to securely store their bikes close to their homes.
“For many families who use adapted bikes, the ordinary hangars are too small for the larger, more cumbersome bikes.
“By installing more adapted cycling hangars and increasing the overall number of hangars in Lambeth, we can support even more people to make the transition to more sustainable forms of travel.”
The first adapted bike hangar was installed in March – and it has ‘already put a smile on the face of 13-year-old Isaac’.
Isaac, who has Down’s Syndrome, can now enjoy bike rides with his father on their adapted tandem on the roads in Lambeth.
The family approached Lambeth Council requesting a hangar to help store their 20kg tandem and were able to secure a hangar suitable for the bike.
Isaac’s mother Catherine said: “Before the hangar was installed, we struggled to store the adapted bike, and we would have to bring it in and out of the house each time we wanted to use it.
“But it’s now easier for us to get out and cycle than ever before.
“With Isaac’s disability, there are certain things we can’t do. But now we can safely store his bike, we can go on family cycle rides together and it makes cycling to school so much easier.
“Our neighbours are happy to have the hangar and are asking for another one in our street. A lot of households have bikes and don’t have a garage, so it can be difficult for everyone.
“I’d encourage all households to contact the council and see if a hangar would work for them.”
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