Hang in there: secure cycle hangars launched to help cyclists keep bikes safe

Designed, developed, and delivered by Hooplr, in partnership with Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the service has been made possible thanks to funding secured through the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

The secure, weather-proof units will be available from today, with nine standard cycle hangars and one cargo-bike hangar installed across the city centre. Each hangar can accommodate up to six bikes, while the cargo-bike hangar provides space for two cargo bikes or adapted cycles. Both types of hangar meet the highest security accreditation currently available (Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond), and are equipped with a secure ground anchor locking point to accommodate a range of cycle frame types.

Customers can manage their bookings, lock and unlock the hangars, add credit and find vacant parking spaces, all through the Hooplr smartphone app.

The units are located in the following areas:

• St Anne’s Street, LS1 8TL
• Bond Street, LS1 2JY (cargo-bike hangar)
• New Briggate, LS1 6NU
• City Square, LS1 2ES
• Park Square South, LS1 2FJ
• South Parade, LS1 5QS
• Edward Street (near Eastgate), LS2 7LY
• Kirkgate Market, LS2 7DF
• The Calls, LS2 7EW
• Waterloo Street, LS10 1JA

It is hoped the hangars will help remove the barrier of people cycling in the city centre due to the lack of secure cycle parking. They operate on a pay-as-you-go basis and start from just 50p for up to 2 hours. There are plans to expand the network, if successful.

Councillor Peter Carlill, executive member for transport and planning (second from right) is joined by Councillors Carlisle (third from left) and Wray (third from right), Gavin Rimmer, Head of Commercial at Cyclehoop (fourth from left), members of Leeds Cycling Campaign and officers from Leeds City Council.

Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said:

"Leeds has become one of the leading cities in the UK for providing safe cycle lanes, with over 300km across the district. However, a key barrier to cycling remains the lack of secure cycle parking. This scheme provides a safe and accessible way for residents to securely park their bikes in the city centre."

"Schemes like this support our transport strategy by encouraging more sustainable travel and helping to reduce congestion in the city centre.”

Anthony Lau, Founder and Design Director at Cyclehoop, said:

“The launch of secure destination cycle parking in Leeds will give both residents and visitors greater confidence to travel by bike and make full use of the city’s growing cycle network. By investing in practical, secure parking at key destinations, Leeds City Council is making cycling a more convenient and attractive option for everyday journeys. This scheme helps remove a major barrier to cycling, giving people peace of mind that their bike will be safe while they work, shop or spend time in the city centre.” 

Notes to editors

The over 300km of safe cycle lanes relates to “hard infrastructure” cycle tracks (e.g. shared use paths, raised or protected cycle lanes, other off-road provisions such as bridleways) and excludes “soft infrastructure” (advisory cycle lanes, bus lanes that cyclists can use, etc).

The smartphone app can be accessed here.