NEW state of the art cycle racks - the first of their kind in the country - have been introduced in Central Milton Keynes to help reduce bicycle theft crime.
The 'Falco Secure' racks have been installed by Milton Keynes Council's cycle team, replacing the old ones next to CMK library.
MKC's Community Safety Manager Richard Solly said:
"Although bicycle theft is not one of the biggest three offences in terms of numbers it remains a persistent problem in Milton Keynes, and is one of the few crimes that have increased over the last few years."
Safer - and much easier on the eye - they operate in a similar way to a shopping trolley, with cyclists inserting a pound coin to lock their bike, which is refunded when the bike is unlocked.
The chains used on the system are the same chains often used for motorcycle locks. This means that on top of your normal bike lock there is the added security of this heavy duty chain.
To add to the safety aspect the keys that lock the rack are security coded 'special order' and can not be obtained from any high street retailer.
So now cyclists have an easy and safe way to store their bikes for the day why not start cycling to work and enjoy the benefits such as:
· A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11lbs of fat in a year.
· Travel is expensive. You can save yourself over £700 on public transport and over £1000 on car costs every year by switching to cycling.
· Cyclists and pedestrians actually absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers. The levels of fumes are significantly lower due to Milton Keynes having its own Redway network.
These racks are on a trial basis at the moment with constant monitoring and we welcome feedback from anyone who has used them. Please send your feedback to:
Ceri Griffin
Cycling & Walking Development Officer
Milton Keynes Council
Civic Offices
1 Saxon Gate East
Milton Keynes
MK9 3HN
01908 257926
ceri.griffin@milton-keynes.gov.uk
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