London is now offering secure spaces for cyclists to store their bikes so they can trek around the downtown area without worry.
On Friday, the city unveiled three enclosed bike lockers in different locations of downtown London. The lockers are located on the corner of Dundas and Wellington streets, the north end of Clarence Street by Victoria Park and in the underground parking lot at the Covent Garden Market.
"We strengthen our community and local businesses when we provide cyclists with convenient and nearby parking," Mayor Ed Holder said. "Adding more features like secure bike lockers to our growing cycling network helps support healthy and active lifestyles, and increases public access to transportation options."
Each set of lockers are made of fibreglass and feature six secure, weather resistant compartments large enough to hold a standard adult-sized bicycle. Lockers are not big enough for trikes, cargo bikes, or long-tail bikes.
Using a cell-phone app created by Movatic, cyclists will be able to rent a maximum of four of the six spaces inside each bank of lockers on an hourly basis for a maximum of 24 hours. The first two hours are free, then the cost is $0.50 per hour.
After downloading the app, users will need to input their payment information, find an available locker to rent and use their device to unlock the door and store their bike. Cyclists will also use their phone to open the locker and retrieve their bike. The app uses bluetooth access in order to lock and unlock the storage compartments
"It's the perfect solution for where to park your bike when you are downtown and want to know it will be safe," said Covent Garden Market CEO and General Manager Bob Usher.
The city said two of the six spaces at each locker will also be made available for monthly rentals. Those interested in long-term rentals will have to fill out an application from city hall, complete a rental agreement and pay $20 plus tax on top of a $100 deposit.
The lockers are part of a pilot program to provide secure bike parking for residents and workers downtown. Residents can provide feedback to the city by emailing cycling@london.ca before the pilot period ends on July 31, 2022.
