The problem of bicycle parking in stations constitutes a major challenge in the promotion of soft mobility. Although the establishment of car park by bicycle is a legal obligation in many regions, the reality on the ground shows that this obligation is far from being fully respected.
Significant figures
Recent figures concerning bicycle parking in stations highlight a worrying reality. According to the data collected, only 46% of stations covered by the bicycle parking regulations actually have parking. bike adapted. This situation highlights a significant gap between legal obligations and their implementation on the ground.
These figures highlight a major problem that directly affects bicycle users. In fact, more than half of the people using their bike to get to the station find themselves faced with a lack of bike parking secure to park their bike. This situation is all the more worrying when we consider the growing importance of cycling as a mode of urban and peri-urban travel.
Several factors can explain this disparity between legal obligations and the reality on the ground. Among these, we can cite the lack of funding, the lack of coordination between the different stakeholders involved in the management of stations, as well as administrative and logistical obstacles which hinder the establishment of adequate infrastructure.
Faced with these alarming figures, it becomes urgent to take concrete measures to remedy this situation. It is essential that the competent authorities fully realize the importance of secure bicycle parking in stations and put in place effective strategies to ensure that all relevant stations are equipped with suitable infrastructure.
The consequences for 2-wheel users
The lack of urban furniture for 2 wheels and particularly bicycle parking adapted for parking bicycles in stations has direct repercussions on bicycle users, both on a practical level and on that of the security.
First of all, users often find themselves having difficulty finding a safe place to park their bike. The few facilities available are frequently saturated, forcing cyclists to look for impractical and insecure alternatives to park their bikes. This situation can cause delays and inconvenience for users who must find a safe place for their bike before taking their train or public transport.
Additionally, the lack of secure bike parking options may discourage some users from choosing cycling as their daily mode of travel. Uncertainty about the safety of their bike can dissuade people from cycling to the station, pushing them to opt for less environmentally friendly and less healthy modes of transport.
Furthermore, the precarious parking of bicycles exposes them to an increased risk of theft and damage. Improperly parked bicycles attached to posts or gates are easy targets for thieves and can be damaged by vandalism. This situation can lead to additional costs for users who need to repair or replace their bicycle, as well as a feeling of insecurity which can harm their travel experience.
A law that is difficult to follow
Despite the existence of clear regulations requiring the provision of bicycle parking in stations, it is important to note that this obligation is often ignored or neglected. This situation results from a lack of awareness of the importance of secure bicycle parking, as well as the logistical and financial challenges encountered by the relevant authorities and infrastructure managers.
Several factors contribute to this neglect. First of all, it is common for investments in transport infrastructure to focus on other priority modes of travel, such as cars or public transport. As a result, the specific needs of cyclists are generally relegated to the background.
In addition, setting up bicycle parking in stations can represent a logistical and financial challenge for infrastructure managers. This requires complex development work, as well as significant financial investments for the purchase and installation of specific equipment.
The solution: bike parking adapted by Vélo Galaxie
Faced with the challenge of secure bicycle parking in stations, Vélo Galaxie offers innovative and effective solutions to meet the needs of bicycle users. With its expertise in the field of street furniture for two-wheelers, Vélo Galaxie designs and manufactures a complete range of bicycle parking cargo suitable for all configurations.
Our bicycle parking lots are made with high-quality materials and an ergonomic design, ensuring safe and convenient parking for users. Whether for stations, businesses, public establishments or urban spaces, our products adapt to all environments and all requirements.
Our parking solutions include a variety of models, such as bike racks, secure bike lockers and bike shelters. Each of these products is designed to provide optimal safety for bicycles while maximizing the use of available space.
By opting for Vélo Galaxie bicycle parking, infrastructure managers can benefit from numerous advantages. Our products are easy to install and maintain, minimizing costs and logistical hassles associated with their implementation.
Bicycle parking in stations remains a challenge to ensure safe and convenient access to users of this mode of transport. By raising awareness among relevant stakeholders and investing in suitable solutions such as those offered by Vélo Galaxie, we can help create an environment conducive to the use of the bicycle as a daily mode of travel.