National Assembly supports saddling up for work with new storage facility

Increase in staff cycling to work prompts investment

The National Assembly for Wales is backing pedal power by improving bike storage facilities for its staff on its estate in Cardiff.

The improvements have been made to cater for the increased numbers of Assembly workers who are now getting on their bike in the morning instead of jumping into their cars.

A key element of the improved layout was the design and provision of bespoke, manufactured bike stands by Cardiff-based bike storage specialist, Odoni-Elwell.

The company has completed work to upgrade the cycle storage system at the Assembly to make it easier for staff to use the facility and ride to work.

The bespoke design incorporates four different varieties of cycle rack and has increased storage capacity as well as improving access and manoeuvrability in the store.

Speaking of the improvements, Peter Black AM, said: “These facilities clearly demonstrate our appetite for supporting the increasing number of occupants choosing to cycle to work, and support the other incentives we offer such as our popular cycle to work scheme as an excellent means of keeping fit, avoiding traffic congestion and reducing our environmental impact.

“The improvements have made it more attractive for occupants to commute by bike. As a result, we’re seeing more occupants choosing to cycle.”

The new cycle racks are specially designed to ensure every storage slot can be used by all types of bikes, including those with pannier racks and the widest handlebars.

Odoni-Elwell installs cycle storage solutions in corporate and public sector facilities throughout the UK. General Manager, Simon Nurse, said:

“The shape of the space meant that racks installed in a traditional configuration would restrict the amount of space available for storage and movement. As a design-led company, we were able to create a storage system that maximises the space available.

“We’ve used a combination of horizontal, semi-vertical and vertical racks so the National Assembly can meet the increasing demand for cycle storage with a facility that is more functional, easy to use, and better suited to all cyclists.”

Commenting on the success of the facility, Neil Bradley, Sustainability Manager at the National Assembly said:

“Following consultation with existing cyclists, my primary aim was to design a storage facility that was fit for purpose, met the needs of all cyclists and where possible employed local labour, and Odoni’s flexible design and manufacturing service was key to that solution.

“Hopefully Odoni’s work will be an incentive for further occupants to consider cycling to work in the future.”

Further improvements include better door entry to make it easier for staff to access and exit the store with bikes, energy efficient lighting with motion sensors, lockers, shelving, drying facilities, bike pumps, and a toolkit with spares, which can now be provided thanks to the better use of space.