Cardiff’s new Cycle lockers

Thirty-one new secure cycle parking lockers have now been installed at seven locations across Cardiff City Centre, following the initial installation on Castle Street during the summer.

The units installed, funded by One Planet Cardiff, offer cyclists more opportunities to safely park their bikes in the city centre at a small cost of between £1 and £1.50 per day.

All the new units will feature living roofs and are battery-powered, delivering significant environmental benefits by enhancing biodiversity in city centre locations and eliminating the need to connect the lockers to the electricity grid, saving both time and money.

To use the lockers, cyclists are asked to book and pay in advance via Spokesafe’s online app.

Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “The initial data regarding the use of the new lockers on Castle Street has been very encouraging. There have been 101 individual users, and the initial six lockers enabled 465 cycle journeys to and from Cardiff City Centre in under three months. As a result, we have continued to roll out new lockers to other locations in the city centre.

“We are aware of the issues surrounding bike thefts in the city centre, so this scheme is being expanded to allow cyclists to securely store their bikes at a small cost, giving them peace of mind and helping to prevent theft.

“While we initially hoped to provide these services free of charge, engagement with local cycling groups and the public revealed that nearly 80% were happy to pay a small fee in exchange for a more efficient scheme. This will allow the Council to continue expanding the initiative into district shopping centres in areas such as Cardiff Bay, Cathays, Roath, Llanishen and Heath.

“Throughout the project, we have worked closely with South Wales Police and security experts to ensure the new lockers are safe and cannot be misused. By offering secure and reliable solutions for cyclists, we hope more people will dust off their bikes and start cycling again. confident that their bike will be safe when parked.”

Additional units are scheduled to be installed throughout 2026 as part of a five-year programme. These will be in the city centre and local district shopping areas. Installations at the start of 2026 will be supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund. The solutions may also include other styles of secure lockers, such as stands or hangars, while retaining existing free steel stands for cycle parking.

As part of a separate scheme, the Council will also be installing secure cycle hangars in residential areas for long-stay parking for residents. Local engagement has taken place, and the scheme will begin delivery in Spring 2026.

The additional lockers have been installed at the following locations:

• Queen Street East (3 lockers)
• Tredegar Street (5 lockers + 1 cargo locker)
• Churchill Way (3 lockers)
• Charles Street (4 lockers)
• Westgate Street (4 lockers)
• Wood Street HMRC (5 lockers).