Whangārei Set To Become A World Leader In Bike Security

PRESS RELEASE: Thursday 12 September, 8am

Big Street Bikers will start installing ten Locky Docks in different locations around the city, supporting the investment in cycling infrastructure and pathways around the Whangārei District

Locky Docks are world leading self-locking and charging stations that are free for the public to use thanks to the Locky Docks unique media advertising business model and sponsor partners with major support from Mercury and project delivery partner WSP. 

Big Street Bikers Founder and Northland local, Cleve Cameron says, “An estimated 10,000 bikes are stolen every year, and with e-bikes worth between $3000- $6000, these docking stations are a major contributor to bike security for users.

This locally driven private partnership has no need for central government funding and is co-funded by Big Street Bikers and Whangārei District Council with the ongoing operational costs covered by advertising on the digital screens.

Whangārei District Council’s Road Safety and Traffic Engineer Pat Sugrue is very happy to see Locky Docks coming to Whangārei, saying, “Councils are looking to make small, quick, and visible changes to their streets and the way people use them by helping them embrace cycling…. Many people have asked for secure bike parking in the city, saying they’d cycle more if they could lock up their bikes safely.”

“Protecting bikes also contributes to safer roads for everyone in Whangārei, preventing stolen bikes being ridden recklessly and potentially causing crashes.”

Big Street Bikers Director Cleve Cameron is excited to be underway in the area. “It’s a smart investment in public amenity on the Council’s part as it is proven to encourage more people to ride; and with multiple benefits for community and businesses — our estimates project, from economic modelling done with Sense Partners, this network could deliver over $30 million in net social benefit to the community. Whangārei District Council has wisely leveraged its capital investment through this partnership.”

Cleve Cameron, “This is an approach which enables the local Council to fulfil its commitments to providing affordable and accessible transport options while avoiding the burden of any further operational costs onto rate payers. It’s also incredibly important that high quality smart city infrastructure reaches regional towns and cities, not just the big centres.”

Mercury Executive GM Sustainability Lucie Drummond says, “Mercury has been a cornerstone supporter of Big Street Bikers since day one, as we love the positive impact Locky Docks have on towns and cities. We’re excited to see more Whangārei locals use bikes, e-bikes and scooters, as convenient and cleaner ways to get around.”

Locky Docks feature media screens which allow a state of the art digital media channel for local business and a digital channel for Council’s public announcements. 

The locking and charging facilities allow people to store their bikes safely for free, as well as charge devices on the colourful docks. Use of the Locky Docks is free for anyone and charging requires the user to bring their own charging device. 

“We are thrilled to introduce a Locky Dock station at Semenoff Stadium enhancing our commitment to sustainability and community connectivity”, says Brent Markwick Chief Executive at Northland Events Centre (2021) Trust. 

“As the largest events destination in Whangārei, this addition will not only provide free, secure bike parking for up to 10 bikes but also support our aim to reduce vehicle congestion and emissions. With the integration of Whangārei’s cycle pathways, visitors can now easily access our events while enjoying a more environmentally friendly travel option”.

“Furthermore, the digital screen will allow us to advertise all of our upcoming events keeping our community informed”.  

Ten Locky Docks will be installed at the following locations over September and October, with an additional five to be installed at a later date:   

1. Kensington Shops — 117 Kamo Road
2. The Bach/Hundertwasser — 83 Dent St
3. The Quay/Clapham Clocks — 31 Quayside, Town Basin 
4. Cameron Street Canopy — 1 James St
5. Old Library - Behind Old Library on right (Rust Ave)
6. Old Library - Behind Old Library on left (Rust Ave)
7. Lovers Lane — off Rust Avenue 
8. Pohe Island Playground - On path by Pohe Island playground, Riverside Drive
9. Okara Shopping Centre — 4 Okaro Rd Countdown Okara 12 Okara Drive
10. Okara Park Stadium — Semenoff Stadium 51 Okara Drive

ABOUT

Big Street Bikers (BSB) is an Aotearoa owned, climate positive, social enterprise who have created and operate the Locky Dock network around New Zealand. With foundation partners Mercury and WSP, BSB operate the Locky Dock network of secure parking, charging and wayfinding stations as a free public amenity. The nationwide network currently totals 62 stations across eight city centres.

Please contact Anna Dean for media interviews and enquiries.

Phone: 021 152 7232 Email: anna@bigstreetbikers.com