Whangarei plans Locky Dock stations

Big Street Bikers’ Locky Dock network is planned across Whangarei with an initial 10 stations due to be rolled out in coming months.

BSB says the Whangārei District Council has voted to install the network.

“Councils are looking to make small, quick, and visible changes to their streets and the way people use them by helping them embrace cycling,” says Northland Transportation Alliance Project manager Pat Sugrue, BSB reports in its latest newsletter The Biker Bulletin.

”Many people have asked for secure bike parking in the city, saying they’d make bike commuting their top transport option if they could lock up their bikes safely.”

The Biker Bulletin also says New York is now trialling free charging and locking stations for delivery workers in response to increasing needs.

The report adds it’s great to see increasing conversations about e-bike rebates.

“This key new research answers questions about whether voucher programs that subsidise electric bike purchases are good for the planet – and the cities that pay for them.

“All around the world policymakers are experimenting with incentive programs to help make it less expensive for residents to buy electric bikes.

“Ride Review has a Global Incentive Tracker, which shows the spread and returns,” says BSB.  

“Immediate point-of-purchase rebates are shown to be 30% more effective than tax credits.”

The analysis also finds that the efficiency of rebates diminishes for wealthier individuals and for cargo e-bikes.

BSB says e-bikes are now being listed as company perks to entice employees, adding e-bikes are popular for commuters due to their ability to beat traffic in cities, often arriving much faster than cars or buses, and are more efficient.