A couple of years ago, these bike storage lockers were set up outside the block of flats I live in. There’s a few of them around and it’s quite difficult to work out how well they are used. I do think that open bike racks that anyone, including vistors, could use would encourage more cycle use around the estate but I can see that these would be handy for people who don’t have the space to store bikes they own. Maybe where there are two compartments, like in the photo, one could be left with the locking lid off. Then the racks inside could be used on a casual basis and the rear of the cover would offer some protection from the weather.

Currently, I take my bikes in to my flat as I have a spare room and I store them there. But, despite that I am considering applying for a key and using one. This will save me from taking my bike up in the lift and then carrying it up a couple of flights of stairs.

The only thing that is putting me off, (apart from a slight concern about security as the lockers are shared with more than one tenant having a key to each), is that it may be too convenient. At present if I am out and my bike gets muddy, rather than take the dirt in, I will lock it up and straight away bring down stuff to clean it. If I could just put it away I would very likely not get round to cleaning it and then realise the next time I go out. I would also have to bring the bike in to do any maintainance.

So there’s a decision to be made. Should I support an excellent project which can only benefit cyclists or keep on doing what I do?