An observation which motivated the Bastille project.
One of the major problems with bicycle parking in cities is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Bicycles are often forced to park on sidewalks, poles or trees, creating obstacles for pedestrians and limiting the space available for cyclists. Unfortunately, many homes in urban areas are not equipped with bicycle storage.
Owners and tenants then find themselves faced with several problems. First of all, parking bicycles becomes a challenge, with risks of theft and damage. Bicycles often have to be stored inside homes, which can cause nuisance and lack of space when the bicycle does not fold. In addition, the absence of bicycle storage deters many people from adopting soft mobility, because they fear not being able to properly secure their means of transport.
It was with this observation in mind that the founder of Bastille began to imagine a solution that would remove the obstacles to purchasing. Driven by the ambition to put as many people as possible on bikes, Gilles chose to design the best possible bike - without compromising on performance, safety and elegance - and then fold it using patented innovations such as the frame in folding diamond , the tilting seat post and the pivoting stem .
Towards cities more suitable for cycling.
To remedy this situation, municipalities must invest in the creation of bicycle parking spaces. Bicycle racks, secure shelters and parking bars are all possible solutions. It is essential to integrate this infrastructure strategically, placing it near public transport stops, workplaces, shopping centers and residential areas. This will make it easier for users to access bicycles and encourage more people to opt for this mode of transport.
The Cycling Plan , initiated by the government in 2018, already provides for the integration of cycling into urban development policies. Indeed, the government encourages local authorities to take cycling into account in their urban planning policies. This involves the integration of bicycle use into mobility plans, the creation of secure parking for bicycles, as well as coordination between the different actors (public transport, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) to promote complementarity. modes of travel.
In the meantime, to resolve theft and parking problems, many cyclists opt for folding bikes, which allows them to do without bike storage while securing their two wheels at home, protected from theft and bad weather. .
Companies put their employees on the saddle.
Public-private partnerships can also play a key role in solving city bike parking problems. Businesses, especially those that encourage the use of bicycles as a sustainable means of transportation, can work with municipal authorities to install parking infrastructure. These initiatives can take the form of grants , tax credits or joint funding for the construction of bicycle parks.
More cycle lanes for our bikes.
Smart urban redevelopment can help solve bicycle parking problems. By designing well-designed and safe cycle paths , municipalities can encourage citizens to use bicycles more and make parking easier. Parking spaces can be integrated into the urban fabric, taking into account the needs of cyclists from the design stage of projects.
Encourage a more pleasant city for all.
Bicycle parking problems in cities represent a major challenge for the promotion of soft mobility. By investing in suitable infrastructure, raising user awareness and encouraging public-private partnerships, municipalities can create an environment conducive to bicycle parking. Thoughtful urban redevelopment is also essential to facilitate the circulation of cyclists.
At Bastille, we consider that the bicycle is a wonderful tool that increases our energy tenfold to take us faster, further and without impact on the planet. But we are also aware that it is difficult to consider it as everyday mobility as bikes are stolen or are difficult to park.
By offering cyclists a simple, secure solution, without compromising on performance, Bastille aims to change uses and allow as many people as possible to rediscover the pleasures of cycling. We believe that foldability is the future of cycling, check out our folding bike buying guide to find the type of bike that will suit you best.
