Already in use by 40 Councils in the UK and across Europe, it’s clear that many Local Authorities are already convinced that Cyclehoops are an elegant and cost-effective way of providing bicycle parking. Recently released crime statistics have also proven the effectiveness of Cyclehoops in reducing theft.
A case study run by Camden Council between May 2009 and April 2010 compared bicycle theft figures with those from the previous year. The results show that although bicycle theft rose by some 53% across Bloomsbury Ward, zones fitted with Cyclehoops were substantially safer, with a 7% drop in thefts. Anthony Lau, Cyclehoop Managing Director, designer of the Cyclehoop, said:
“These statistics back up what we knew all along; Cyclehoops are an effective solution to the challenge faced by Councils; how to provide significant numbers of bicycle parking spaces whilst reducing bicycle theft.”
Camden Council has provided 430 parking spaces using Cyclehoops since 2009, often in busy areas with no space for normal cycle stands. As Cyclehoops are installed on existing street furniture such as signposts and lampposts, street clutter has also been reduced in the borough.
Quick and easy to install, each Cyclehoop creates a secure locking point for 2 bicycles. Theft is reduced as thieves cannot lift bicycles over the top of signposts whilst locking advice stickers promote better locking methods. By encouraging cyclists to lock both front and rear wheels, the Cyclehoop increases locking security whilst preventing bicycles from falling over and causing a hazard to pedestrians.