Our app-enabled cycle parking, Hooplr Trips, launched across Stirling at the beginning of Bike Week, helping more people make everyday journeys by bike and public transport.
The service will give residents and visitors access to secure, weather-protected cycle parking at key locations, making it easier to combine cycling with public transport and other everyday journeys.
Making multimodal journeys possible
The new service supports Stirling Council’s work to expand sustainable travel options by providing secure, easy-to-use bike parking close to cycle routes and public transport links. It is designed to help reduce reliance on private car use, particularly where a lack of secure cycle parking can be a barrier to onward travel.
The project responds to concerns raised through Stirling Council’s consultation around connectivity to the bus network in rural communities and contributes directly to actions in the Council’s Sustainable Mobility Strategy, including support for active travel and more integrated transport services.
How does it work?
Hooplr Trips uses smart technology that allows users to find, book, pay for and access secure cycle parking through the Hooplr smartphone app. In Stirling, the service is provided through secure Cyclehoop Bikehangars, each able to store up to six bikes, with a tool and repair station plus a pump to be installed adjacent to each hangar.
Users pay 50p per booking for up to 12 hours, while the tool and repair stations will be free to use. The service is designed to offer flexible, convenient access to secure cycle parking as and when people need it.
Locations
The pilot includes seven Bikehangars, located in Drymen, Aberfoyle, Callander, Doune, Dunblane, Causewayhead and Borestone, creating a network of secure cycle parking facilities in communities across the Stirling area.
Subject to the success of the pilot phase, more Bikehangars will be installed later in 2026.
Project funding
The hangars and tool stations are being funded through the Bus Infrastructure Fund from the Scottish Government via Transport Scotland. Cyclehoop supply, install, maintain and manage the Bikehangars.
The project has been developed in consultation with local community councils and development trusts, local cycling groups and representatives, members of the Cycle Stirling group and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
By improving access to secure cycle parking in both town and rural locations, Stirling Council and Cyclehoop hope the new service will encourage more people to choose cycling for everyday trips and support healthier, lower-carbon travel across the area.
Stirling Council Environment, Transport and Net Zero Convener, Cllr Alasdair Tollemache said: “The newly installed Bikehangars respond to a keenly felt need to connect active travel to public transport routes, particularly in rural parts of the Council area.
“This innovative step builds on the success of the C60 bus service and the recent introduction of two new rural bus services, the C61 and C62, which are providing enhanced connections between towns, villages and other bus services. It will also complement the expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service which provides a public transport option to rural communities in Stirling, and indeed, visitors to the area who wish to explore our beautiful landscapes. By encouraging connectivity between active travel and public transport, we can continue to reduce transport emissions and promote positive health and wellbeing outcomes for residents across Stirling.”
Anthony Lau, Founder and Design Director of Cyclehoop, said: “It’s fantastic to see Stirling take such a forward-thinking approach to giving residents more choice in how they travel. This is the first time our Trips service has been used in this way, and it’s an innovative model that supports more flexible, affordable and sustainable journeys. By making it easier to combine cycling with other forms of transport, the scheme can help reduce reliance on private cars while giving people convenient options that won’t break the bank.”
Emily Davie, Mobility Partnership Programme Manager at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “These new Bikehangars are a practical step towards making it easier for people to access the National Park without relying on private car use – one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions – and supporting improved integration between cycling and local bus services. They also give residents and visitors more affordable and flexible ways to explore the Park’s landscapes and communities. By improving cycle parking in gateway communities such as Drymen, Aberfoyle and Callander, we’re strengthening our vision for an inclusive, low carbon travel network.
“This project demonstrates the value of partnership working through the National Park Mobility Partnership, helping to deliver integrated travel across Stirlingshire and the wider National Park area.”
Liam Campbell, owner of Aberfoyle Bike Co said: “As a cycling business in the heart of Aberfoyle, we’re delighted to see the new bike hangar installed in the village. Secure cycle parking is an important part of encouraging more people to choose bikes for everyday journeys, whether they’re commuting, visiting local businesses, or exploring the area.
“Aberfoyle is a popular stopover for cyclists travelling on long-distance routes such as the Rob Roy Way and the Badger Divide. Many riders spend the night here before continuing their journey, and these new facilities will allow them to keep their bikes secure and protected from the weather while they rest and enjoy everything the village has to offer.
“The Bikehangars will also be a huge benefit to local residents, particularly those who may not have access to sheds, garages or other secure storage facilities at home. Making it easier and safer to own and use a bike can only be a positive step for the community and for encouraging more people to travel by bike.”