FAQs
- On steep gradients – flat, level ground is essential, as hills can cause bikes to lean to one side inside the hangar, which may interfere with the door mechanism.
- Within 10 metres of a junction, as it could reduce visibility
- On roads that are too narrow – there must be enough space for vehicles, including emergency services and bin lorries, to pass safely.
- On footways that are too narrow – there needs to be enough space for pedestrians, including wheelchair users and people with pushchairs to pass.
- Near driveways and crossing points so we don’t block access, reduce visibility, or create hazards for people accessing properties or crossing the road.
How do I register for a space?
Once we've installed the hangars, you can request a rental space with Cyclehoop by visiting their website. You can join a waiting list if the hangar is full. To request a space in a different street, email transport@sheffield.gov.uk
Where will the hangars be placed?
We will install most hangars on the road. Our trial in Crookes and Walkley shows that hangars are well used when we locate them close to where we’ve had requests.
We're confident that hangars will be well used where there are multiple requests from one road or street. We also consider how close the hangars are to current and planned cycle routes.
We can only place hangars on flat, level ground. We must avoid causing visibility or access issues for other road users.
We can’t put cycle hangars:
This means that it might not possible for us to install cycle hangars at some suggested locations. We'll try to locate hangars as close to requests as possible.
We will use a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to legally suspend parking in the location where a cycle hangar is due to be installed. We will clearly advertise this order at least seven days in advance, with on-street notices to inform residents that parking is not permitted during a specific time period.
If a vehicle is still parked in the suspended area when we arrive to install a hangar, we will tow or move it to prevent delays and ensure the hangar can be installed safely.
We will issue a Penalty Charge Notice to any vehicle we need to move. You can find more information about parking fines, vehicle removal charges, and storage fees on the Sheffield City Council website.
Why not locate the hangars on verges or other green space?
We need to install hangars on hardstanding (tarmac, paving, or similar) to make them as secure as possible and to ensure they are usable. Installing hardstanding significantly increases the cost of installation and causes unnecessary loss of green space, which is often limited in urban areas.
Why not locate the hangars in car parks?
Car parks are often relatively secluded, with poor visibility and inconsistent traffic flow. But many on-street locations benefit from natural surveillance, with residents and visitors coming and going on a regular basis. Locations with low levels of natural surveillance, like car parks, can be more vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism.
How do I object to a location?
Before we go ahead with installation, it’s important that we hear your views. Officers and local ward councillors will consider all feedback before we make a final decision on whether to proceed with the proposed locations. Where there is a case for relocation, we will examine alternative options. Please provide feedback in writing by emailing transport@sheffield.gov.uk
You can also contact your ward councillor with feedback. Find your councillor on the Sheffield City Council website.
How much will it cost to store my cycle?
Cyclehoop charges £72 per year per cycle space. This covers the cost to manage and administer the rental scheme, and includes a maintenance check twice per year. Unfortunately, there is no long-term funding available to subsidise spaces at this stage.
What about non-standard cycles or accessories?
Hangars are designed for standard cycles and e-bikes. We will consider the needs of people who have limited mobility, but there are no proposals to provide spaces for adapted cycles such as cargo bikes. You must remove accessories like baskets, bags and child seats before you store your cycle as they can obstruct the hangar door mechanism and other cycle spaces.
Will the cycle hangars attract antisocial behaviour?
We have received no reports related to antisocial behaviour as part of the trial of eight hangars in Crookes and Walkley. Other UK projects report that there is no evidence that cycle hangars attract anti-social behaviour and, outside of London, break-ins to cycle hangars are rare.
If a cycle hangar is damaged, please notify Cyclehoop and they will take any necessary action, responding to urgent issues as quickly as possible.
Will cycle hangars cause a noise disturbance?
We have received no reports of hangars causing a noise disturbance as part of the trial in Crookes and Walkley. The hangar doors are gas-assisted and create no more noise than normal on-street activity. They are no louder than a car door closing or an engine starting.
We expect that most people requesting a hangar will be cycle commuters and would likely be accessing the units during normal ‘rush hours’ in the morning and early evening.
What if my bike is stolen?
Cyclehoop hangars offer the highest ‘Sold Secure’ rating – ‘Pedal and Powered Cycle Diamond’. We recommend that you have your own cycle insurance and use two locks with an appropriate ‘Sold Secure’ rating. Cycles are stored at your own risk, and you should report any thefts to South Yorkshire Police. Cyclehoop and Sheffield City Council cannot accept any responsibility for stolen or damaged cycles.
What if the hangars are damaged?
Users or other residents can report issues to Cyclehoop or contact Sheffield City Council directly. We will work with Cyclehoop to maintain hangars. We'll respond to urgent issues as quickly as possible.
Funding generated from the Clear Air Zone will help to cover the costs of repairing any damage.
Why are you funding cycle parking?
Active Travel England and the Department for Transport provide funding to help make walking, wheeling and cycling easier for more journeys.
We have received many requests for secure cycle parking. Hangars make storing and accessing bikes quicker, easier and more convenient for people who travel regularly by bike and may be unable to store their cycle at home.
Why can’t people store their bikes at home?
We all have different competing demands for space at home. People may find it difficult to move cycles out of sheds or cellars, particularly if they have mobility issues or are storing other things.
We only locate hangars where we have had requests – and most of them come from inner city terraced streets where storage space is limited. Hangars can make cycling easier and more accessible for more people.
Cyclists don’t pay road tax, why is cycle parking being put on the road?
Road maintenance is usually paid for through general taxation. Most people contribute to the cost of roads, regardless of whether they drive, cycle, walk or use public transport. Road Tax was abolished in 1937, with most vehicles now being subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). VED is based on vehicle emissions, rather than road use, and is not directly used to fund local roads.
Unlike motor vehicles, cycles cause minimal wear and tear to roads. Cycle hangars make cycling easier which ultimately benefits everyone by freeing up road space for public transport and people who need to drive, and lowering long-term infrastructure maintenance costs.
Why cycle parking instead of more cycle routes?
We are committed to making cycling in Sheffield easier, safer and more accessible for everyone. We agree that creating new high-quality walking, wheeling and cycling is a major priority to give people more choice in how they travel. You can find information on some of our current projects that include new cycle routes on our Connecting Sheffield page.
We also recognise that the lack of cycle parking can be a significant barrier to getting more people cycling, and installing cycle hangars is one way we can help to remove this barrier.
Will this affect parking?
Each hangar holds up to six bikes and takes up less space than a single car. Providing better cycle parking and making walking, wheeling and cycling easier helps to reduce traffic and congestion for people who need to drive.
Is this permanent?
Once installed, we expect hangars to be in place for many years to come. If a hangar remained unused for a significant amount of time, or other significant issues came to light, we would look to relocate.
Cyclehoop FAQs
For more answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Cyclehoop website.
What about Falco UK hangars?
Our initial trial of cycle hangars was delivered in Crookes and Walkley. Falco will continue to manage these hangars on our behalf. To rent a space in one of these hangars, visit Falco's website.