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Item 11.1 - Attachment 2 |
Bicycle Hire in the Parramatta City Centre |
Bicycle Hire in the
BACKGROUND
1. This
report is in response to a Lord Mayoral minute of 15 December 2008 that
requested that a report be prepared for Council on the feasibility of a bicycle
hire or lending service based in Parramatta
2. A bicycle hire system provides bicycles that can
be hired for use by the public for short periods of time as a transport option
that complement existing transport choices.
To ensure success, the bicycle system should offer safe and comfortable
bicycles in a secure and affordable manner, in convenient locations, supported
by quality cycle infrastructure.
3. A bicycle hire
system offers the community a sustainable and healthy transport option as alternative
to car use. It can also facilitate
tourism and become a tourist attraction itself. This report describes the different
types of cyclists, the necessary cycle infrastructure needed and the different
forms of bicycle hire system which should be considered
when a cycle hire scheme is considered.
Council policies
4. Council’s
strategic direction as described below, identifies the need to provide opportunities
for cycling. A cycle hire scheme fits within these strategies.
5. The
2009 Parramatta Bike Plan recognises the health and environmental benefits of
cycling as both a mode of transport and for physical activity. The Plan
outlines the future network of safe bicycle routes and facilities for both
commuters and recreational cyclists in the Parramatta Local Government Area,
including the city centre. The Plan’s aim is to provide the necessary
infrastructure for 5% of the population to commute by bicycle by 2021.
6. Sustainable
transport, including cycling, is part of Councils long term vision to manage congestion
within the city as the population grows. The City Centre Plan (2007) sets out a
25 year vision for 30,000 new jobs in the Parramatta City Centre by 2031 and an
additional 20 000 residents.
7. Parramatta
City Council’s Twenty25 Strategy (2006) deals specifically with the importance
of providing bicycle facilities with Destination 6 stating, “People and places
are linked by sustainable transport and communication networks”. The specific strategies for the future are to
“increase the number of people walking and cycling particularly journeys within
the neighbourhood” and also to “manage road congestion and safety while
reducing the reliance on car use as a primary means of transport”.
Types of cyclists
8. It is important
to identify the different types of cyclist which may use a cycle hire system to
understand their potential level of usage or conditions to encourage their use
9.
10. Bicycle hire
users can
be summarised into five groups: everyday, occasional, recreational and non-bicycle
owners. Bicycle hire systems can cater for all these groups, some more
effectively than others.
Everyday cyclists
11. These are established
cyclists who own a bicycle and use it regularly for commuting, local trips and recreational
use. The 2006 census showed 0.04% commuter trips to the Parramatta city centre
were by bicycle. They are competent cyclists and are comfortable riding a
bicycle in most road conditions. A bicycle hire system would offer this group additional
access to a bicycle when their own is either not available or when they are in
a location without their bicycle.
Occasional Cyclists
12. These are cyclists that
own a bicycle but use it infrequently. Fitness and environmental benefits of
cycling are well known to this group.
These people tend to be time poor and cycle only when they have time or are
focused on improving their fitness. The provision of cycle infrastructure, perceived
road safety, traffic, level of fitness and level of experience also influences
their decision to cycle. A bicycle hire
system would offer access to a bicycle when their own is either not available
or when they are in a location without their bicycle and encourage this group
to cycle more.
Recreational Cyclists
These cyclists own a bicycle and primarily cycle for leisure
often off-road and in family group. They
also cycle to improve their health. The reasons
why this group do not cycle more frequently include not all family members own
a bicycle, perceived road safety, traffic volume, low of level of cycling on
roads and level of cycling infrastructure. A bicycle hire system would be
attractive to this group as it would provide them with convenient recreational
choice.
Non-Bicycle Owners
This group do not own bicycle but may have access to one. There are various reasons why this group do
not own a bicycle including unable to cycle, cost, lack of childhood bicycle
use, lack of storage, residential location, local road conditions, lack of
time, health, young family, perceived low level of road safety, traffic volume
and lack of infrastructure. A bicycle
hire system would be attractive to some of this group as it would provide them
with the opportunity to cycle but they would require a good level of cycle
infrastructure to feel confident.
Tourists
13. This group can
include people from any of the above group but primarily they are people who
are not local to the area and therefore unaware of the local road conditions,
cycle infrastructure provided and road rules.
A bicycle hire system would be attractive to this group as it would
provide them with convenient mode of transport to visit Parramatta’s local
tourist destinations including Parramatta Park which is ideal for cycling. A bicycle hire system could become an
attraction in itself in the same way the Rivercat service has. Importantly this group would easily
use a system which only had a single operating location.
ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES
Infrastructure
needed (network)
14. A key element in
considering a bicycle hire system is the provision of cycle infrastructure
within and around Parramatta city centre. It is predicted that a significant proportion
of bicycle hire users are likely to be Occasional, Recreational, non-bicycle
owners and visitors cyclists who will need to be supported by comprehensive
cycle infrastructure including high quality off road facilities to avoid interaction
with traffic.
15. The streets of
Parramatta city centre are not overly cycle friendly or conducive to cycling.
There are some shared paths along the foreshore of the River. In addition there
are several signed on-street cycle routes to and through the city centre as
well as a small amount of cycle parking.
A significant proportion of streets within the city centre are multiple
lanes and generally heavily trafficked during peak times. The speed limit is generally 50kph with some
small sections of 40kph and 60kph. Also
the one-way streets are not particularly favourable to creating cycle friendly conditions.
16. The 2009 Bike Plan aims
to address these issues and sets out key routes through the city centre to be
implemented over the next five years. This will create a network of cycle
routes to and around the city centre, connecting the existing cycleway
facilities. New infrastructure can be funded
from Section 94 contributions, however maintenance cannot. Creating a separate
Bicycle Maintenance Funding program will ensure that the outstanding cycle
route maintenance issues can be addressed more quickly and effectively.
17. A Bicycle hire
system should not be introduced until such a time that it is considered that
the cycle infrastructure within the city centre is sufficient to support a
bicycle hire scheme. This can be tested
through consultation including the use of the Residents Panel, undertaking
cycle counts and in consultation with the Cycleway Advisory Committee. The 2009 Bike
Plan and the draft Integrated Transport Plan for Parramatta City Centre are set
to significantly improve this situation.
Types of Bicycle Hire Systems
18. There are broadly five
modes of Bicycle Hire including cycle centres, European on-street schemes,
those run by local authorities such as Local Government Councils and commercial
bike hire provided by private providers.
Cycle Centres
19. Cycle centres are
usually in the form of a shop and provide end of trip facilities for cyclists
in city centres. They typically include bicycle
hire and also offer showers, secure bicycle parking, bicycle servicing, dry
cleaning and a café. These centres are usually located in the heart of cities
and close to public transport. Cycle centres are increasing being considered as
leading edge in the promotion of cycling.
It is recommended that in the long term, Council’s Civic Place
development consider including a Cycle Centre.
European on-street bicycle
hire
20. There has been a recent increase in this form
of bicycle hire with significant media coverage due to its massive impact on
increase cycle use. These schemes are large
scale on-street bicycle hire schemes.
The success of these scheme is due to the fact that they are free to use
for the first 30 minutes and can be returned to any of the numerous bicycle
hire points throughout the city and, therefore ideal for short local
trips. They also complement the typical
inner city lifestyle of high levels of public transport use and walking and low
cost ownership and use.
21. To address the issue of theft and vandalism the
bicycles are unique with basic interchangeable parts not usable on other
bicycles. This type of bicycle hire is primarily
funded by advertising revenue concessions from bicycle hire points and other street
furniture. An additional success factor is that in Europe the wearing of
bicycle helmets is not a legal requirement.
This makes the walk up use very attractive. This is a significant issue yet to be
addressed by Australia cities hoping to emulate their success.
22. In the past many European cities introduced
free bicycle schemes and failed. These
were not bicycle hire schemes but offered the free use of bicycles left around
the city. It relied on the honesty of
people to leave the bicycles in the public domain for the next user. This system failed because the cycles were
not managed or secured and quickly succumbed to theft and vandalism.
Local Authority
23. Adelaide Council, in
partnership with Bicycle SA, launched Australia’s first free public bicycle
hire system in 2007. It is a joint project funded by Adelaide City Council and
Bicycle SA. The hire is free from
several locations across the Adelaide CBD during opening hours. Users must
provide ID to hire the bicycle which is returned at the end of hire. Helmets
are provided as part of the hire. Each
bicycle is fitted with a lock. Adelaide City also has a speed limit of 50km/h
as well as bicycle lanes on majority of main roads and streets. This provides a
high level of safety for cyclists. A safe cycling environment is essential for
the success of any cycle hire model.
Commercial Bicycle Hire
24. There are numerous
examples of successful public bicycle hire systems which as operated by private
organisations. This service can be provided as a stand alone service, such as
that found at Sydney Olympic Park and Centennial Park, or it can be attached to
an already established business such as a bike shop. These businesses also
offer a variety of bicycles and some expertise on issues such as helmet use and
Australian road rules. This is particularly important for overseas visitors.
This local knowledge includes advice on where to ride and routes to avoid. For visitors this provides a level
of security and peace of mind. For those users who may be local, this also
gives an information source for future cycling activities. Most stand alone
business are located in high visitor demand locations and also provide guided
tours. This model can be from a permanent location, or building or can also be
offered as a mobile service which can deliver bikes to various locations, such
as hotels, on demand.
Community Bicycle Loans
25. The Western Sydney
26. The success of any bicycle hire regardless
of the models is a safe cycling environment; affordable (e.g. free for the
first hour of rental); comfortable to use (bicycles that are easy and safe to
ride); and a system with technology that prevents theft and vandalism.
27. A summary of the
different models of cycle hire are in the table below –
|
Cycle Centre |
|
|
Description |
Recognised as best practise. Purpose built
facility which includes a shop font providing transport information, end of
trip facilities, cycle hire, secure bicycle parking facilities, café and bicycle
workshop. Can be part of new development or retro fit existing space. These
facilities should be close to a transport interchange and be supported by a
strong cycling infrastructure net work Initial investment is high however
ongoing costs can be maintained to be low. |
|
Key elements for Success - |
Good facilities for occasional and
established cyclists. A variety of services in the one location. |
|
Example - |
|
|
Euro style |
|
|
Description |
Stand alone ranks of unique bicycles which
can be accessed by users via a swipe card. Bicycle hire stations compliment
other public transport modes. Bicycles can be used for one way trips i.e do
not have to be returned to rank of origin. To avoid theft these bicycles need have no
standard interchangeable parts. This requires specialist maintenance and
replacement of components. Often tied with other street furniture contracts. |
|
Key elements for Success - |
Free hire for first 30 minutes. expansive
network of ranks ,locations have established cycling culture, no compulsory
helmet law |
|
Example - |
|
|
Local authority |
|
|
Description |
Funded by local
Council or other authority. Bicycles are available during business hours.
Users must provide identification and a leave a deposit to hire the bicycle.
Helmets and advice are also available. |
|
Key elements for Success - |
Safe environment for cycling. Locks are
provided with bicycle to reduce theft. |
|
Example - |
www.cityofadelaide.com.au/recreation/fitness/city-bikes.html |
|
Commercial –
attached to established business |
|
|
Description |
This service
can be provided as a stand alone service, such as that found at Sydney
Olympic Park and |
|
Key elements for Success - |
Hire can be subsided by other activities.
Expert knowledge of operator of an area ensures a higher quality of user
experience. |
|
Example - |
Manly Bike Tours - www.manlybiketours.com.au
Harvey Bay Cycles www.baybikehire.com.au |
|
Community
enterprise model |
|
|
Description |
Community enterprise model which supplies
recycled bicycles to members of the public for extended loan. This model does not fit within the definition of a cycle
hire system stated in this report |
|
Key elements for Success - |
This model relies on and fosters strong
community networks. It provides bicycle for long term hire to members of the
community who may not otherwise have access to bicycles |
|
Example - |
Western Sydney Cycling Network www.westernsydneycyclingnetwork.com.au
|
28. The cycle hire model which may best serve the
Parramatta City Centre in the long term is a cycle centre. Civic Place provides
an opportunity to include a purpose built facility which will include end of
trip facilities for all cyclists and encourage the use of sustainable transport
to and from the city centre.
29. The European cycle hire model is not suitable
for the city centre as the city centre is small compared to European cities
such as Paris, London and Lyon. Also this type of cycle hire is yet to resolved
the issue of the compulsory bicycle helmets laws which are in place in
Australia which significantly impacts on the spontaneity of the European
schemes.
30. In the current financial climate it is not
recommended that Council bear the full cost of a cycle scheme such as those run
by Adelaide Council. It would be more prudent to investigate a commercial
partnership with a commercial cycle hire operator to a provide service in the
city centre. Council could subsides the
scheme including funding the purchase of bicycles, lease of premises, purchase
credits or operating costs.
Consultation
31. It is recommended that further consultation is undertaken to
clearly identity potential users and the correct model of a cycle hire service
in the Parramatta City Centre and to carry out a cost benefit analysis to asses
the economic benefit of providing a cycle hire service in the Parramatta City
Centre.
TIMING.
32. The 2009 Bike Plan sets
out new cycle routes for the next 5 years includes delivering new cycle routes
to and around the city centre. The draft
Integrated Transport Plan for Parramatta City Centre is expected to be
considered by Council during 2009/10 and is proposed to delivery significantly
cycle improvements.
33. The proposed Civic
Place development is gaining considerable momentum within 2009/10 when the
provision of a cycle centre should be considered.
FUNDING
34. There is no funding in the 2009/2010 budget for
the further development of a bicycle hire scheme for the Parramatta City
Centre.
35. Council has applied to Federal Government Jobs
Fund Council for a contribution to build a Parramatta Heritage Cycle Route
(total project cost $1,712,150). If this proposal is successful this will
somewhat improve cycle facilities in the city centre.
36. The Cycleways budget will continue to deliver
new bicycle facilities in the City Centre funded by Section 94 contributions.
37. There is no
specific maintenance budget to improve or upgrade existing cycle routes It is recommended that an annual budget of
$50,000 would address this ongoing issue.
Recommendations –
1. THAT Council continue to improve cycle facilities in the city
centre to a high standard to provide a safe environment for cyclists. Until
this time a cycle hire scheme should not be implemented in the city centre.
2. THAT Council consider committing $50,000 in future budget
allocations for cycleway maintenance.
3. That Council consider including a Cycle
Centre as part of the proposed Civic Place development.
Myfanwy Lawrence
Project Officer –
Transport Planning
Land Use &
Transport Planning