Nine new bike storage shelters to be installed around the Ashford borough

Ashford Borough Council is helping more people choose cycling for everyday journeys by installing nine new secure bike storage units at key locations across the borough. 

Eight shelters are already in place and ready to use, with a ninth due to be installed in the coming weeks. The waterproof shelters, which are free for residents to use, provide a safe and secure place for people to leave their bikes when visiting town centres, leisure facilities and local destinations. 

The new facilities are located at Bank Street, Elwick Place, The Julie Rose Stadium, the bottom of Ashford High Street, Victoria Park and Vicarage Lane car park, with the remaining shelter set to be installed at Tenterden Leisure Centre shortly. 

A lack of secure storage is often cited as one of the reasons people are reluctant to cycle. By providing convenient and protected places to park bikes, the council is removing a practical barrier and making it easier for residents, commuters and visitors to make cycling part of their daily routine. 

The investment also comes at a time when household budgets remain under pressure. Cycling is one of the cheapest and most sustainable forms of transport, helping people save money while supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing congestion and contributing to cleaner air. 

Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the units are part of Ashford’s wider commitment to promoting active travel and supporting communities to make greener, healthier travel choices. 

The council will also be inviting residents to share their views on how the units should be kept secure in the longer term, including the potential use of an app-based locking system.

“Bikes have become a regular sight around Ashford as the borough becomes more and more active, so it’s important that residents have somewhere to safely store their bikes when they are on their travels,” Cllr Guy Pullen, Cabinet Member for Parks and Recreation at Ashford Borough Council, said. “I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to do this for the borough.

“Ashford town is an incredibly easy place to get around by bike and as we’ve seen with the recent traffic disruptions, cycling not only provides massive health benefits and gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure, but it can also save you money and time.

“It’s really fulfilling to be in a position where we need to provide more bike shelters as the existing ones were always full and I hope we’re in a position to announce even more soon.”