Secure bike spaces to be culled under Sadiq Khan's emergency rules on affordable housing

"The amount of bike storage that needs to be provided in new housing developments in London is to be watered down, it can be revealed. This will reduce the number of secure bike spaces that have to be provided and could also permit developers to make a financial contribution in lieu of building bike racks or allow them to be built some distance from the new homes. City Hall believes this is acceptable because of the rise in the number of Londoners hiring dockless e-bikes, such as those provided by Lime and Forest."

"In relation to cycle storage, the documents state: The GLA [Greater London Authority] propose to reduce requirements for cycle parking at residential developments, taking into account higher densities of development in London and the rise of dockless cycle and e-scooter hire. Additional flexibility will also be proposed in how the cycle storage is provided to avoid costly requirements e.g. for extra basement levels or loss of housing units; this could include off-site provision, contributions in lieu, and other options."

"Tom Fyans, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign, said: "Small amounts of cycle parking aren't what's making housing developments unviable. The mayor is committed, for climate, health and many other reasons to increasing cycling for the next two decades - homes and offices built now will need to cope with demand in 50 years time. Moans from some property developers their central London cycle parking spaces aren't well used also seem specious given they're often in are"

London plans to relax mandatory cycle storage in new residential developments, reducing required secure bike spaces and permitting off-site provision or financial contributions in lieu. The Greater London Authority cites higher development densities and the rise of dockless e-bike and e-scooter hire as reasons for greater flexibility. The policy aims to avoid costly construction requirements such as extra basement levels or loss of housing units. Developers may also qualify for significant subsidies by completing a first floor by 31 March 2030. Cycling advocates warn that reduced secure parking could undermine long-term cycling uptake and future demand.

Read at www.standard.co.uk