We’ve written about urban bikes stations before, and are happy to see the concept popping up in other parts of the world. Spotted in Brisbane: Cycle2City, which claims to be the first full-service facility for bicycle commuters in Australia. Brisbane City Council and Queensland Transport teamed up to fund construction of the facility, which gives cyclists a place to store their bikes and change into business attire.
Since opening last June, Cycle2City has signed up 400 members who have access to secure bike parking, air-conditioned locker rooms, showers, laundry service and free bike maintenance classes at the in-house maintenance and repair workshop. Members are encouraged to commit to using the facilities five days a week (at AUD 120.00 for one month or AUD 660.00 for six months), but three-day-per-week 'permanent casual' memberships and daily use options are also available.
Cycle2City is just one element of Brisbane’s commitment to encouraging citizens to replace driving with cycling—the city’s mayor has also announced that AUD 100 million will be spent on new bikeways over the next four years. As the number of cycling commuters grows around the world, so will the need for products and services that help make a smooth transition from four wheels to two. Bike-loving entrepreneurs—get going!
Website: www.cycle2city.com.au
Contact: administration@cycle2city.com.au
Spotted by: Brenton Nicholls
Brenton, great spot!
If you have been to Cycle2City's website you would see a company with a keen understanding of customer service as well as cross selling. It is amazing to see the services they provide; showers (free), towels (free), laundry service, bike repairs, bike repair lessons and on and on. Think out of the box, how could I apply these CONCEPTS to my business.
To success and opportunity!
Simon
Fantastic idea, I've been looking out for something like this in my native Sydney for a while.
One thought, though: For $1300 a year you can score a Fitness First (maybe FF Platinum) membership, which gives you everything C2C does, except bike repairs and indoor bike storage. Plus the gym, obviously.
Regardless, good on C2C for a genuinely relevant business concept, hope to see one in Sydney soon.
This would have to be Brisbane's best kept secret - great idea!