Brighton & Hove ready for bike boxes?

A new way to keep your bike safe on the street? Bike-boxes are being called for by Labour Co-op Councillors, following a successful trial in the London Borough of Lambeth.

In light of recent stories of bicycle thefts, as well as complaints from residents about 'fly-parking', Labour Co-op Leader Councillor Gill Mitchell thought the Lambeth 'Bike-box' scheme would be more than welcome in bicycle friendly Brighton & Hove.

Bike-boxes are popular in the Netherlands and give people, who cannot keep their bike indoors, the chance to pay a small fee per month to rent a reserved spot inside one of the on-street secure bike-boxes, which would enclose a standard set of bike racks with a lockable roll-top cover.

"Brighton & Hove is a keen cycling city and this is something that should be encouraged, " said Councillor Mitchell.

"However, there have been recent reports of bicycle thefts, especially in the centre of Brighton, and also complaints from residents of people leaving their bike tied up to lampposts which can leave some areas looking unattractive.

"I believe that this scheme, from Labour-run Lambeth in London, would prove a success in somewhere like Brighton & Hove, where there is a huge demand for cycle parking. Also, by promoting cycling we can help cut pollution and congestion."

There are some at Gatwick airport, recently examined by your correspondent. They do take up quite a lot of space and look like graffiti magnets, but would definitely protect your machine...