Cycle Hangars: Secure Residential Cycle Parking Pilot Scheme Consultation
Help Us Introduce Secure Cycle Parking in Reading.
Reading Borough Council is launching a pilot scheme to introduce secure on-street bike hangars in Reading and we would like to hear from residents.
We currently have funding to install a few bike hangars across the borough as part of this pilot project. Before locations are confirmed, we are inviting residents to tell us:
- Whether you would be interested in renting a bike hangar space
- Where you think bike hangars should be located in your area
- Any comments, concerns or suggestions you may have
We also welcome photographs of potential locations.
If you would like to leave any comments you can do it here by 31st August 2026 or by contacting the transport team directly at transport@reading.gov.uk,
Phases
What is a Cycle Hangar?
What is a Bike Hangar?
A bike hangar is a secure, lockable on-street storage unit for bicycles.
Each hangar:
- Stores up to 6 bikes
- Occupies approximately half the size of a standard car parking space
- Provides secure storage for residents without suitable space at home or work
- Is located on the public highway
The bike hangars will be available for residents to rent on an annual basis.
The annual cost is £72 per space, which covers the maintenance and management of the unit.
As part of the 12-month trial, Reading Borough Council will subsidise 50% of the membership cost for the first year. Residents will therefore be charged £36 for the first 12 months, with the Council covering the remaining £36.
Why Are We Introducing Bike Hangars?
This pilot scheme supports Reading Borough Council’s Journey to Net Zero ambitions by encouraging more sustainable and active travel choices, including cycling, walking and wheeling.
Providing secure cycle parking can help:
- Encourage more people to cycle
- Reduce short car journeys
- Improve local air quality
- Reduce congestion
- Support healthier lifestyles
Secure and convenient cycle parking is an important part of making cycling a realistic and accessible option for more residents.
Tell Us Where Bike Hangars Are Needed
We are looking for suggestions for suitable locations across Reading.
When suggesting a location, please consider:
- Areas with limited off-street cycle storage
- Residential streets with high demand for cycle parking
- Locations with good visibility from nearby homes and streets
- Areas where a hangar could fit safely within existing parking arrangements
Cycle hangars must be located on Council land or highway which could include being located on existing double yellow lines, in existing parking bays or on green space.
You are welcome to send photographs of possible locations to support your suggestion.
How We Will Assess Locations
Transport officers will work with Councillors, local communities and the feedback received from residents to identify the most suitable locations.
Potential sites will be assessed based on:
- Resident demand and local support
- Safety and accessibility
- Visibility and natural surveillance
- Suitability within the highway
- Impact on existing parking and road use
Residents living close to proposed sites will be contacted before any installation is confirmed.
Bike Hangar Information
Capacity
- Up to 6 bicycles per hangar
Dimensions
- Length: 2475 mm
- Width: 2070 mm
- Height: 1410 mm
Security
The proposed FalcoPod 2.0 bike hangar is accredited to Sold Secure Diamond standard, the highest cycle security accreditation available in the UK.
Features include:
- Secure locking points
- Space to secure the frame and wheel with a D-lock
- Assisted opening mechanism
Smartphone app access for authorised users.
For further information, please refer to the following link: FalcoSmart App Based Locking System for FalcoPod Bike Hangar.
Have Your Say
We want to hear from residents across Reading.
Please tell us:
- If you would be interested in renting a bike hangar space
- Where you think bike hangars should be installed
- Any supporting photographs of suggested locations
Your feedback will help shape the delivery of this pilot scheme and future cycle parking improvements across Reading.