Richmond’s £664,000 cycle parking hub slammed as cyclists forced to haul bikes upstairs
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Richmond Council’s new £664,000 cycle parking hub at Richmond Station has been met with ridicule from cyclists who say it’s inaccessible and poorly designed.
The hub, promoted as a way to “help residents make greener choices,” includes solar panels, a green wall and space for over 650 bikes, but most spaces can only be reached by pushing bikes up stairs.
Broadcaster and cycling campaigner Jeremy Vine said on X: “I refuse to believe this,” after seeing footage of cyclists struggling with the design. Another user replied: “Oh! Believe it, Jeremy. Designed by car commuters… for car commuters!” which is a view echoed by many.
Most of the parking sits on upper floors to preserve car spaces below, fuelling claims the project prioritises drivers over cyclists, with the council saying a lift was ruled out due to “fire and safety requirements” and maintenance costs.
Cyclists have criticised the narrow rails that clash with handlebars and their position on the left, which many right-handed users say is impractical.
Zoe Kennedy said: “The presumption that cyclists aren’t disabled is prevalent. I cycle because of my disability, and I would struggle to use those steps and a ramp.”
Richmond Cycling Campaign said: “Members from Richmond Cycling met councillors and SWR at the station yesterday to discuss our disappointment. Hopefully improvements are going to be made to a number of areas, though that’s unlikely to include a lift.”