Councils can get public bike parking and e-bike charging for free

Most councils want more secure bike parking and public e-bike charging. Few have the capital budget to build a network.

In New Zealand, Locky Dock has found a way to deliver it without spending taxpayers' money.

Does it work in practice?

In Taupō, the council describes its station as installed "at no expense to ratepayers." The council describes it as funded by Locky Dock with its partners Mercury and oOh!media.

Councils with funding can go further. The six stations in Hawke's Bay were co-funded by central government through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Whakatāne's five sites were funded by Trust Horizon.

What does the council provide?

Free does not mean hands-off. A council's role usually covers four things.

• Sites on public land in busy spots such as town centers, libraries, pools and transport hubs
• Consents and permissions for the station and its screens
• Promotion, meaning launch events and communication to residents
• A network plan that agrees a set of sites across the city rather than one-offs

Why is it an easy yes?

Councils are asked to fund many good things. An amenity that supports their cycling and mode-shift targets, with no capital cost and no maintenance line, stands out.

Our article on how to pitch secure bike parking to a city council shows how to frame it. The Bikeep page for cities covers the wider council case, and our piece on the community benefits of public bike parking and charging adds the accessibility angle.

What do riders get?

• Secure parking that stops theft, not just a rack
• E-bike charging
• An app or card to lock and unlock
• No fees

What should a council check before signing?

• Screen rules. Local signage and advertising rules differ, so check them early.
• Site footfall. Advertising-funded stations need busy locations to pay back. Our piece on the site selection mistake explains why.
• The operator. Ask who maintains the station and how fast they respond to faults.

Frequently asked questions

Do councils pay anything for a Locky Dock station?

In the Locky Dock model, advertising pays for the station. Taupō's council describes its station as installed at no expense to ratepayers.

Who pays for the stations if the council does not?

Advertisers, through the screens on each station. Some councils also draw on outside funding, as in Hawke's Bay and Whakatāne.

Is it free for riders?

Yes. Riders lock and charge for free.

Can operators offer this in their own market?

Operators building a network in their own market can read about becoming a Bikeep partner.