Shipping container supplier backs Birmingham bike scheme

ALDRIDGE shipping container supplier S Jones Containers has given its backing to the Big Birmingham Bikes initiative.

The company has donated 12 specially fitted-out containers for use as cycle stores. They are being installed in parks and leisure centres across the city.

The Big Birmingham Bikes initiative aims to give away thousands of donated bicycles to people in the most deprived areas of the city. The aim is to encourage more people to take up cycling.

A further 2,000 bikes will be available for all residents to hire at 22 specially kitted out cycle centres, where a number of bikes will be stationed for community access or given out on long term (six monthly) loans to individuals or groups.

SJC has delivered 12 cycle centres which are already operating at Ley Hill Park, Woodgate Valley Visitors Centre, Billesley Tennis Centre, Nechells Leisure Centre, Ackers, Sheldon Country Park, The Khidmat Centre in Small Heath, Calthorpe Park, Firs & Bromford Community Centre and Kingstanding Leisure Centre. The last to open are at Kings Norton Park and Aston Park.

Cycling development officer (Big Birmingham Bikes) Ed Wicks said: “We are extremely happy with the cycle centres.  They open and close very freely, and the hooks significantly increase the life span of the bikes as they don’t get damaged when they’re taken in and out.

“It’s fantastic to see the first of our cycle centres in operation.  Each hub, which will be open seven days a week, will be run by paid instructors with support from volunteers.  They’ll offer a programme of activities including cycle training, cycle maintenance and led rides.”  

The Big Birmingham Bikes initiative is part of the £60m Birmingham Cycle Revolution project that aims to make cycling an everyday form of transport over the next 20 years.

Andrew Jones, managing director of S Jones Containers, said: “Coming up with unusual solutions to different applications is what we do every day.  These containers are extremely robust and are ideally suited for converting to almost an infinite number of alternative uses, as a secure, weatherproof enclosure.

“We are delighted to partner Birmingham City Council in this important initiative.  It is very rewarding to know people across the city are going to gain so much pleasure from our modified containers.”