Cyclehoop’s first on-street Public Bicycle Pump has been installed in Kennington by Lambeth Council. Located near the Imperial War Museum at a busy junction on Kennington Road, this new facility is a free air pump installed for cyclists.
Designed by Anthony Lau, Managing Director of Cyclehoop and developed and manufactured in the UK, the pump is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel with an armoured air hose along with a built-in tyre pressure gauge. The pump is powered by hand so it does not require any external electrical power. As part of the scheme, Anthony also designed the hoop-shaped bicycle stands installed next to the pump and these provide much-needed cycle parking to the area.
Anthony Lau, Managing Director of Cyclehoop said:
“We are pleased to work with Lambeth Council on this innovative project. We want to create a beautiful and functional piece of street furniture. As a regular cyclist I know how hard it is to find a pump when you have a puncture, now there is a convenient facility which will be well used by cyclists.”
Richard Ambler, Lambeth Council’s Cycle Programme Manager said:
“Most service infrastructure on our streets is for cars or other motorised transport. Installing a service like this pump supports the image of cycling as an important and valid form of transport. Each cycle journey made has a positive impact on the economy so providing this service for free is a good investment.
I chose this location because it’s the busiest cycle route in Lambeth, it’s on most commuters’ home route so they will be more inclined to stop and use it, and it’s at a set of traffic lights where cyclists will be stopped waiting.
I think it’s an attractive and unusual piece of street furniture and it sends the message that we care about cyclists. Many cyclists, even regular ones, don’t realise how much easier and safer it is to cycle if your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. It may even be used in an emergency if someone has a puncture in the vicinity.
This is just a pilot so there are doubtless things we will learn about the installation. Depending on the feedback, we will consider installing street bike pumps in other parts of Lambeth.
Although only installed last week, cycling enthusiasts have already been sending their positive feedback.”
Philip Loy from Lambeth Cyclists said:
“Lambeth Cyclists welcome the arrival of a new and innovative piece of ‘street furniture’. The bicycle pump is a great addition to the public realm to make cycling that much easier, and is a strong signal that cycling is an important aspect of transport in the borough of Lambeth. It’s also great that a young and innovative local company like Cyclehoop is able to supply the pump. We hope to see more of them in the future!”
The new public street pump is not only a practical piece of cycle infrastructure, but also a symbolic statement that London is becoming a cycle-friendly city.