This week sees the rollout of new sheltered bicycle stands in Eyre Square and Spanish Parade areas for a trial period of six months.
As well as offering shelter from wet weather and protection from rust, each stand has an accessible lock system and is designed to fit any size wheel. The new stands require less space than the more traditional bicycle stand and each shelter is lit up at night.
The stands were designed by Liam Codd, owner of West Ireland Cycling, and the initiative represents a pilot project between West Ireland Cycling and Galway City Council’s Transportation Unit.
The Transportation Unit and West Ireland Cycling will monitor the uptake of these stands. If successful this type of stand will be rolled out on a more widespread basis throughout the city on completion of the pilot project.
Independent Cllr Catherine Connolly has welcomed the pilot project.
“These stands are attractive and will provide shelter for bicycles from the wet weather,” she said. “This project will provide an opportunity to address any teething problems, aimed at improving cycling infrastructure in the city on a more long term basis.”
Joe Tansey, head of the Galway Transportation Unit, said this pilot initiative “signals the start of a range of cycling measures” for the city. He added that Galway is also “well positioned to attract funding in support of a citywide cycling demonstration initiative”.
The Galway Transportation Unit team is eager to hear the comments of bicycle users to this new stand. Comments, suggestions, and reactions can be emailed to [email protected] or by telephone on 091 - 894328.
