THE installation of bike parking stations across the city will not only please riders it will also help Orange cater to the growing cycling tourism market says Brand Orange executive officer Rhonda Sear.
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The equipment allows riders to chain their bikes to stainless steel hoops, coloured metal cut-out bike shapes and hanging rails.
After consultation with nearby businesses, Orange City Council installed the equipment at six different locations.
Brand Orange executive officer Rhonda Sear said the installation of the equipment was “fantastic”.
“It’s a great endorsement that Orange is serious about cycling tourism,” she said.
Ms Sear said the equipment would be used by serious cyclists and people who ride for pleasure.
“Cycling is something that engages the whole family,” she said.
Ms Sear said Brand Orange was working with a range of producers to talk about catering to cycling tourists who may want to visit cellar doors or farm gates.
Council’s bicycle community committee chair Ash Brown said the bike parking sites were an investment in better community health.
“The evidence is out there about the huge health problems that come when so many people in the community spend their working days sitting down, then they drive home, sitting down, and then they sit on the couch,” councillor Brown said.
“We need to find ways to support people who are choosing to move to a more active lifestyle by walking or riding bikes to get around town.”
Hotel Canobolas owner Phil Tudor said the new equipment was fantastic for Summer Street businesses.
“A family can ride into town together, park their bikes and have lunch and go shopping knowing their bikes are locked up,” he said.
“Having the bike parking space at the front of the hotel is a very secure, very visible location.”
Nimrod’s cafe owner Nimrod Nagy said the new equipment would be good for business.
“There’s nothing better than a ride on a Saturday morning, and if there’s somewhere convenient to chain up your bike, you can stop for a coffee and a catch-up with mates,” Mr Nagy said.
The equipment was installed after council wrote to 19 local cafes and businesses, outside the CBD, asking if they wanted bike parking equipment installed nearby.
More in-town parking has been planned in locations throughout the CBD.
Cr Brown said while the installation of equipment near the Hotel Canobolas did lead to the loss of one car parking space, there were now 10 new places where 10 riders could park their bikes.
The new bike parking facilities are being installed by council with support from the NSW government through its Cycling Towns Program.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au