The City of Merri-bek has installed a novel solution for secure public bike parking — a cycle hangar, the first of its kind in Australia.
Cycle hangars, a small steel structure designed to securely store six bikes on the street, have taken off in London, where indoor storage space is limited.
More than 30,000 hangar spaces have already been installed in the English capital, with long waiting lists for a spot.
Now, the concept has made its way to Melbourne's inner north.
The council's first cycle hangar is located at Elm Grove in Coburg, near Coburg Civic Centre.
This 'proof of concept' hangar has been used by council staff and councillors to test its suitability for the neighbourhood. It is now frequently used by several employees, including the Merri-Bek mayor, Cr Nat Abboud.
Following this positive reception, the council plans to purchase and install further hangars across Merri-bek in the coming months, at some of the locations most requested by community members.
Unsurprisingly, these locations tend to be in the densest activity centres of the municipality — where apartment buildings abound, but do not necessarily offer ample secure bike parking for residents.
Residents were asked to register their interest in a spot in late 2025. Those who secure a spot would pay a nominal yearly administration fee per space in a cycle hangar, roughly equal to a car parking permit ($48.10).
Eligibility for a place in the program will be determined based on demand, lack of access to existing parking and availability of locations to install the hangars.
Residents who have not already registered their interest in a hangar spot and updates on the project can do so at https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/bicycle-parking/cycle-hangars.
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