Cycling into the city centre for coffee and a bite to eat is a regular outing for pedal pals Brian Breen and Leonie Taylor, who now have the bonus of a secure, covered space in which to park their bikes.

With more people using bikes, e-bikes and scooters, Tauranga City Council has answered the growing demand for somewhere to park them by trialling five covered bike shelters.

The relocatable “Bikeboxes” are currently located at Red Square, Devonport Road; opposite Hamilton Street, The Strand; outside Coronation Park, Maunganui Road, as well as Tara Road, near the Parton Road roundabout; and Golden Sands Drive, outside the Henry & Ted cafe in Pāpāmoa.

Each Bikebox, funded with assistance from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), can fit up to 10 bikes or scooters that can be locked up, and have panels on three sides to provide weather protection.

They are free to use and have been placed near CCTV cameras for added peace of mind.

Brian Breen and Leonie Taylor lock up their bikes at The Strand Bikebox. Photo: Tauranga City Council

Breen and Taylor, members of the Welcome Bay Wheelers cycling group, ride all throughout the year, rain or shine, and say the shelters are a nice bonus, especially in busy areas.

“We cycle to [local cafe] Oscar and Otto, and that’s where I spied them not long after they were put in. It’s really nice knowing that our bikes are together and can be locked up somewhere safe and secure. Plus, you can see them from the cafe,” explained Taylor.

“I love that they are out of the weather. If there is a shower of rain, they keep your saddle dry, which is quite important,” added Breen.

Taylor and Breen agree the Bikeboxes are a game-changer for anyone worried about the security of their bikes while they’re out and about.

“We think they are absolutely brilliant – great for kids too, to give them some independence. We say: Give them a go!” said Breen.

Te Papa ward councillor Rod Taylor said the council is committed to making it safer and easier for people to move around the city, no matter how they choose to travel – including when on two wheels.

“There is strong evidence that bike parking facilities encourage more people to cycle. The Bikeboxes will allow us to test demand to help inform future council decisions about bike parking.”

The council will be seeking community feedback on the Bikeboxes early next year, including suggestions for alternative locations.

Additional bike/scooter parking was also provided to four Tauranga schools during the year, including Gate Pā Primary, Tauranga Girls’ College, St Mary’s Catholic School and Tauranga Intermediate.

Gate Pā Primary principal Rochelle Jensen says the number of children riding to school has increased as they know it’s easy to get their bikes in and out, and the boxes are simple to lock and protected from all weather.

The Bike Stop secure bike storage facility at 28 Grey Street in the city centre is another option for bike parking and will remain open over the Christmas period, including December 23-24, 27 and 30-31, as well as January 3.