A study of selected cycle challenge cycle centres

As part of the Cycle Challenge initiative, a number of different types of secure cycle parking have been provided ranging from an indoor cycle centre to cycle lockers. Three such facilities are considered in this report. To examine the influence that these facilities have had on the attitudes and behaviour of users, a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research was used. The importance of the type of facility, its location and the underlying cycling culture is examined. Factors that influence the success of a cycle centre are discussed. Users' views on the different types of facility are presented, demonstrating that the additional features of a fully equipped cycle centre are appealing and are appreciated, but that the overriding need is for protection of bicycles from theft and vandalism. (A)