The new ‘big box’ cycle hangar design is unsightly and ugly, says Westminster Labour who have called for a return to the original Cyclehoop bike hangars.

After many years campaigning by Westminster’s Labour councillors, the Council finally began installing on-street bicycle hangars in 2019. These were from a supplier called Cycleloop and were low-rise, curved and elegant in appearance.

The Cycleloop hangars have been a huge success and the waiting list for residents for a reserved place to park their bikes is growing longer. As a result, Westminster Council decided to in-source the hangar programme in 2020. The procurement exercise to buy the hangars chose the cheapest supplier and the new design is much larger and uglier than Cycleloop.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Labour City Management spokesperson, said:

“You can’t put a price on good design, especially when it comes to Westminster’s unique streetscape. And some of the new ‘big box’ hangars are so large they block the view for drivers at some junctions, causing a traffic hazard. These new hangars are a false economy and they should be replaced urgently by the original Cyclehoop designed hangars.”

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Labour Councillor for Maida Vale said:

“The new hangars are large and bulky. They are particularly jarring when set against our historic buildings such as the Lauderdale Road Synagogue. We need the original well-designed hangars back!”