Context

Lewes Cycle Hub was a full turnkey project for Cyclepods. The company was involved in every step of the process from designing the initial hub concept to carry out installation and fully equipping the cycle hub with state-of-the-art facilities, 

The cycle hub works with Southern Rail's smartcard, which acts as a key to allow users to access the hub. 

Site challenges

It was necessary to keep clear of the Network Rail Infrastructure and ensure the site was as contained and safe as possible throughout installation, whilst still allowing waste disposal lorries to access the site and minimise the amount of car parking spaces used. 

Design solution

Cyclepods' in-house design team produced the design for the hub based on its modular cycle hub concept. The structure for Lewes is made of steel with tempered glass walls and RigiSystem roofing. This design also allows for extending the hub in the future, should the volume of cyclists to the station increase.

To maximise bike storage capacity in the hub, the Easylift+ was used, which is a two-tier cycle rack. This enabled the provision of 100 spaces within the hub. The Easylift+ is the only two-tier cycle rack whose upper arm reaches all the way to the floor and is equipped with a gas-assisted lift. This make it as user-friendly as possible as users do not have to lift the full weight of the bike onto the arm. The bike wheel and frame can then be locked using the security loops on the frame of the Easylift+.

Secure hub access

The ‘Key’ doubles up as a travelcard and free Cycle Hub entry card for Southern Rail customers. All entries and exits to Lewes Hub are logged using a remote software control system. This means Southern are able to identify when the Cycle Hub has been accessed and by who, giving a strong security measure as any theft or damage to bikes stored or the Hub itself can be checked against access data. Other security measures at the Hub include CCTV system and Security Lighting.

We have also included a Public Bike Pump and Repair Stand inside the Hub to provide tools for basic bike repairs. When building a Cycle Hub, we believe that it should contain all the facilities that the everyday cyclist may need to ensure that the Hub provides a self-sustainable and user-friendly environment for cyclists.

Outcome

The result of the project is a fully equipped and cyclist-friendly cycle hub facility in bespoke, modular construction which increased the cycling parking capacity at the train station to 100 spaces with the loss of just 8 car parking spaces.