The Splendour of a Cycle Rack

A new cycle rack has just been installed at our Village Hall here in Geddington, Northamptonshire. I couldn't be more chuffed about it as it’s been needed for years…  it’s a decent one and (I quote) ‘splendid’. But why do a few bits of metal mean so much? 

Firstly it's a sturdy Sheffield-style rack - you know the big squared corner hoop ones. This means it not only allows you to lock your bike in two places but it supports your bike too, keeping it safe and upright.

Why is locking your bike in two places important? If you use one of those piddly ‘just holds the bottom of your front wheel’ types of cycle rack you could find only your front wheel remains when you get back. Locking both your front and back wheel (and through the main frame of your bike) means cycle thieves can’t just use the quick release lever to help themselves to most of your bike. Always avoid those ‘wheelbender’ types of cycle racks - they may be cheap but users will pay the price with bent wheels. 

Anyway back to our splendid new cycle rack. It’s prominently positioned right between the front of the building and the car park, and it can securely hold up to ten adult or children's bikes. 

A good location is one of the most important considerations when installing a cycle rack - don’t stick them away at the back but make sure they can be easily seen as people trust places where there are people around. It also needs plenty of space around for manoeuvring cycles of all sizes and styles in and out. 

Another thing that makes a cycle rack installation successful is having local leaders support it and buy in to the benefits.  Our Parish Council Chair Cllr Adrian Williams did this perfectly by stating: "It will help the environment and improve people's own health. Hopefully lots of people will use it, and use it regularly. It is a great asset for the village.".

So if you want to see cycling supported in your area - whether in a village or somewhere more urban - why not look into getting some cycle racks installed. It may not change the world but it’s a great nudge in the right direction. 

But it’s not just installing and celebrating a new cycle rack that matters. More can be done to make it easier for people to get cycling.

Along with the launch of the new rack, we’re making sure people have ways of getting their bikes pedal-ready. For example, we promoted our monthly 'active travel hub' sessions (in Kettering market square outside the Royal Hotel on the last Saturday of every month, 11am–3pm, with free cycle servicing and security marking). We're also aiming to hold a free session in Geddington in late summer - to be publicised on the village noticeboard and local Facebook pages.

So there we are - all in all an easy, simple but permanent active travel initiative.

Because sometimes the best changes are the simple ones. A rack. A bike. A village that makes it just that little bit easier to choose a different way to travel.

With love and excitement (and a newfound appreciation for the word splendid), Alison

Here at Brightwayz social enterprise we love to provide information and tips to help you, your colleagues, friends and family travel in safe, active, sustainable ways for everyday journeys.

Our unique range of products is here to help support your active travel campaigns and 100% of profits from sales is ploughed back to support the work we do. Take a look at our range here and find something to help you inspire others to travel in good ways.