Ealing Liberal Democrats feel "not enough is being done" from the council to address cycle hangar demands across the borough.   

Back in March of this year, Ealing Council installed its 100th bike hangar in the borough and said it was on its way to 150 by 2026.  

Whilst the Liberal Democrats welcome the council's 2023 bike hangar consultation, they believe more are needed in areas like Southfield, where "the demand outstrips the number of bike hangers being installed."   

Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Opposition and Transport said: "Liberal Democrats say this shows Ealing Labour's haphazard approach to encouraging more cyclists through inadequate, belated deployment of bike hangers in a random ad hoc way. 

Lib Dem Councillor Gary Malcolm at a bike hanger in Valetta Road, Acton (credit: Gary Malcolm).

Liberal Democrats want to see more bike hangers rolled out across the borough in a fair and equitable approach, assessing both the needs and importantly where the demand is taking place." 

From the 349 people who voted in Ealing Council's 2023 bike hangar consultation, 44% were 'strongly' in favour of the distribution of hangars in the borough.

Using that, the council then proceeded to shortlist towns within Ealing to consider installing potential hangars.

An Ealing Council spokesperson said: "Giving residents somewhere affordable and safe to store their bikes is a key part of the council's commitment to encouraging active travel, which is healthier and better for the environment.

"We have more than doubled the number of bike hangars across the borough in the past two years.

"We are well on the way to meeting our target to installing an additional 150 hangars by 2026. A space in a hangar costs just 70p a month, which is by far the cheapest in London. 

"The hangars are popular with residents and have all been suggested by the community. We are currently consulting communities on proposals for a further 25 hangars, to be installed over the coming months.

"We will continue to work with residents to increase the number of bike hangars and encourage active travel."

Visit the council's website to find out more about the bike hangar consultation.