Scheme of the Month - Take a Stand, Life Cycle UK
In partnership with four local authorities, Life Cycle UK runs ‘Take a Stand’. The scheme offers two free Sheffield cycle parking stands to small businesses, not for profit organisations and community groups. The recipient is responsible for installing them on their own premises in a location agreed with Life Cycle. Launched in 1997, the response has been overwhelming and shows no sign of stopping. Follow-up studies show that the scheme has reduced bike theft and increased cycle use. Demand is typically driven by cyclists themselves, and Life Cycle will sell additional stands if needed. The stands are held in stock by a local building contractor. An initial visit is made to the site by bike to agree the locations, and the stands are dropped off subsequently by van to 10 locations at a time. Over 100 organisations were supported in Bristol during the LTP period under the scheme.
The scheme has been taken up (with Life Cycle’s support) by several other local authorities, most recently by Norwich City Council. Transport for London also runs a Take a Stand scheme, to Life Cycle’s model, across the Capital.
TfL’s version of Take a Stand has been hugely successful having delivered 1042 stands to benefit over 2000 cyclists since November 2005. It is open to any business regardless of size and participating organisations also receive a copy of TfL’s Workplace Cycle Parking Guide. Alongside this is offered ‘Challenge Funding’ which is a match-funded scheme to provide support measures, such as showers, to promote and improve sustainable transport options, including cycling.
As part of a wider range of activities that promote cycling to work, organisations that employ 250+ staff can take advantage of TfL’s New Way to Work ‘Corporate’ Scheme. With funding available of up to £20,000, this provides 15 days consultancy advice and will deliver a working Travel Plan for the organisation. The plan is then used to establish a Quick Win package of measures based on the mode that will make immediate impact. 
Small & medium organisations receive help in the form of the New Way to Work ‘Enterprise’ scheme, which also offers support, guidance and marketing materials.
A guide is available from Life Cycle UK which explains in detail how Take a Stand works and which provides practical advice on setting up a similar scheme. Copies can be ordered from www.lifecycleuk.org.uk or contact Peter Andrews at
To find out more about TfL’s WTP service speak to one of their Relationship Managers on 020 7918 2928.
TfL’s Workplace Cycle Parking Guide is available at www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/Workplace-Cycle-Parking-Guide.pdf
