Thursday 30 September 2021
New bike hoops and new canopies over some existing hoops are being installed in a number of locations around town to increase provision of bike parking and improve the infrastructure for active travel, as part of the ongoing work of the Integrated Transport Strategy.
These new hoops and canopies will offer more opportunities for convenient bike parking, as well as some protection from the elements.
Three canopies have been installed in recent weeks to cover the existing cycle hoops at Albert Pier, South Esplanade and Beau Sejour Leisure Centre.
A canopy to cover the existing cycle hoops at top of Smith Street (by the Sunken Gardens) is scheduled for installation later this year and four new cycle hoops are scheduled to be installed at the end of October at Market Street (next to the accessible parking bays by the Co-operative).
Alex Costen, Active Travel Officer for the Health Improvement Commission, commented:
"Our aim at the Commission is to get more people more active, more of the time, so any initiative to encourage people to consider cycling as a means of getting around the island, is positive.
"Cycling is a relatively low cost and accessible way of travelling, with the benefit of improving physical and mental health and well-being, but also helping to reduce traffic on our roads. We hope more will take up cycling as a means of getting around now that bikes don't have to be left out in the rain."
New cycle hoops and shelters are also being installed at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, near the main services entrances of the hospital. This is in anticipation of the Hospital Modernisation Programme.
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health Services, commented:
"We are delighted to see these initiatives to help encourage more people onto their bikes. Alongside all the wellbeing benefits, cycling can help to protect you from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis. Riding a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages and it is easy to fit into your daily routine by riding to the shops, school or work. We are lucky in Guernsey that most cycling journeys can take in quiet lanes and stunningly scenic parts of our island."
