(l-r) Cllr Foster with Kerry Davies and Judith Musgrave (Arch), Victoria Lloyd-Gent (Sustainable Travel Officer, Durham County Council) and Paul Thomas and Katie Mason (Arch).
A pilot project offering businesses and community groups free cycle stands is being extended into 2018 following an overwhelming response.
Funded by Durham County Council and provided by social enterprise ParkThatBike, the scheme will now be extended for a further two years with the aim of providing 400 more stands for premises across the county.
The project was previously launched as a pilot scheme in December 2015 but, after installing 35 stands and generating a substantial waiting list, has now been extended. The aim of the initiative is to help boost business by offering cyclists secure parking as well as encouraging healthier and more environmentally friendly travel.
Arch’s Durham Workspace at Pity Me, just outside Durham City, was one of the companies to benefit from the pilot scheme.
Katie Mason, Assistant Workspace Manager said: “The initiative was designed to improve and promote sustainable transport and economic development within the area and is something that Arch is keen to support. The stands have already proven to be a good facility for both tenants and staff alike by supporting them to live healthier and more active lives.”
With the scheme extended, the council is now encouraging even more County Durham based communities, local businesses, shops, offices, hotels, pubs and places of worship to come forward and apply for their free stands. Applications are welcomed for up to four stands in a range of designs; from classic stands to heart-shaped ones or wall mounted rails to racks combined with planters.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “We’re delighted with the overwhelming response we’ve received to the ParkThatBike scheme and would encourage businesses and community groups to get in touch and apply for their free stands.
“Free bike racks are just one of a number of ways we are working with businesses and communities to encourage and support greener and healthier travel across the county and we’d love to see even more premises and venues taking advantage of this offer and showing their support for a healthier County Durham.”
Apply for a stand online at www.ParkThatBike.info or by calling 01594 564 344.
