Hounslow Council is encouraging residents to swap their car keys for bicycle helmets as they provide locals with more facilities aimed at promoting cycling and walking around the borough.

As part of a new initiative to urge locals to jump on a bicycle or walk on short journeys, the council is introducing a number of ways for residents to park up their cycles safely.

It is part of an ongoing commitment by the local authority to provide opportunities for residents to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles.

Residents will have to pay to use the facilities.

A bike hangar can be installed as part of the initiative

Deputy leader of Hounslow Council, councillor Amrit Mann, said: "We want to encourage more residents to cycle and for those who do already, to have as many facilities as possible to park their bicycles securely in and around where they live.

"Our commitment is to help residents enjoy being as active as possible so that they can be healthy and happy.

'Smile' wall-mounted anchors secure bikes to the outside of a property wall

"The cycle parking programme will help residents have peace of mind in keeping their bikes safe and it will hopefully lead to more people of all ages cycling and to get out and about in the borough."

What are the safety measures?

Hounslow Council is introducing three different safety measures for bicycles:

  • 'Smile' wall-mounted anchors secure bikes to the outside of a property wall and usually cost around £35, but Hounslow residents will be able to get their hands on one for £5, by clicking here for more information.
  • If residents do not have space for wall-mounted anchors and residents on the road agree to it, a bike hangar can be installed providing an undercover and enclosed area for bikes. A minimum of four residents must write to the council with a request to use one and a key deposit of £25 must be paid alongside an annual maintenance cost of £72 for each bike space.
  • Where there is no room for either of the above, a standard 'Sheffield' stand can be installed in the street.

An estate cycle parking programme which installs secure and weatherproof cycle parking facilities on council, private housing and housing association estates is also being extended for another year.

For information about how to apply for bike anchors, hangars or a stand, just send an email to traffic@hounslow.gov.uk.

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