So, on @sallyhinch's advice I took myself to the Edinburgh branch of Range to see if I could buy craft materials to make some placards. For information, Range is just off the Innocent Path close by Bruntstane Station. Big car park, not a single place to lock a bike. I wheeled the bike in to customer services, to be told there weren't any bike facilities there. When I explained that they were on one of the city's principal bike paths and they were missing out on custom, I was told that it was the Council's path (duh, yes) and I should contact the Council. I said that it wasn't expensive to install a few bike racks, and repeated they were missing out on custom, I was told they were under no obligation to provide bike parking. So I left. The manager is called Jasper Price if anyone wants to add a missive to the one I will be sending.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure
Today's Rubbish Cycle Parking
(13 posts)-
Posted 7 years ago #
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The roads passing by are also the council's, but that hasn't stopped someone building a car park there!
OSM suggests that there aren't any bike racks at the Asda across the road, either. Can that be right? EDIT: There are big green bike symbols near the door visible on Google Street View, but I can't see any actual bike racks, just trolleys.
Good on you for standing your ground.
Posted 7 years ago # -
You're probably supposed to use Edinburgh College's bike parking, across Brunstane Station, round the corner, and two blocks down Milton Road.
(I suppose you could lock your bike to the base of the pylon, round the back of The Range)
Posted 7 years ago # -
Been there...
A year ago I sent this message to Customer Service (unable to find contact details for anyone local);
Good afternoon,I hope you're well and have had a great day.
I'm just emailing with a small request for your consideration, and was hoping you might be able to help/explain.
I visited at the weekend whilst cycling on the National Cycle Network route 1, which I'm sure management will be aware leads straight to your store. However, I was disappointed to find that despite the capacious car park, there was absolutely nowhere to lock up a bike securely. Credit to the staff, they were happy to bring my bike inside and put it out of the way, but it would be much easier and more welcoming if there was just a few (maybe 3) bike stands suitably spaced to provide parking for 6 bikes.
This is especially frustrating given you do sell some cycling accessories, and the café on site is really handy for popping in during a ride for refreshments! Especially given your perfect location for catering to this passing source of custom.
I'm wondering why there is no cycle parking , and was hoping you might be able to speak to whoever deals with this to encourage some good quality Sheffield stands to be provided near the front door, preferably covered (like a trolley bay)?
Many thanks, and I keenly await your response
I got a very swift response the following morning:
I would like to thank you for taking the time to email us with your suggestion regarding a bike stand at our Edinburgh store.
I can confirm that your comments have been formally documented and highlighted to Management within Head Office in order for them to be taken into account.
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused you during your visit to our store.
Yours Sincerely,
Clearly the "taking into account" went a long way!
That area really is naff - between the steps up the bridge on the cycle network, the massive shop on the cycle path having no parking, and the lack of useful signage at the other side of the bridge.
Posted 7 years ago # -
My chain broke at those lights a couple of months back. I wheeled down there to sit in the cafe and await MrsMcR's emergency recovery.
No racks so I tried to bring my bike into the shop - was met with a similar response. I sat on the bridge steps instead for 30 mins.
I shall never darken their door again. But I now always carry a chain tool.
Posted 7 years ago # -
There are a few wheelbenders at Adds. I always stick the bike behind them, unless it's blocked by a wheeled shelf unit of plants. The poles at the edge of the trolley parks are just about usable, though not ideal. The Range only has one rubbish trolley park, with inconvenient bars.
Posted 7 years ago # -
I've followed up...
Good afternoon,Noticed it is over a year since I previously messaged. I returned to your Edinburgh store at the weekend and was very disappointed to find there has been no change from a year ago and there is still absolutely no cycle parking.
Can you please let me know what happened here - has there been a decision made not to provide any parking and if so, why is this? If this has just dropped off the radar then I would be keen to re-ask the question as to whether this can be provided?
Kind regards,
To which the response:
Thank you for taking the time to contact The Range Customer Services.I am sorry to hear that you have noticed that there are still not Parking Spaces for Cyclists at the Edinburgh Store.
I have contacted the Store and unfortunately it seems that they are not planning on having Cycling Bays built in the Edinburgh Store at this moment in time.
I apologise for any disappointment caused, but I do hope that you will remain a valued customer of The Range.
Yours sincerely,
At the suggestion that it was an outright "no we won't" I went back to ask why - is it too difficult or are bikes not welcome...
Thanks for your reply.
I agree that is indeed disappointing. Was any reason given as to why? The location of the store is ideal and there is not exactly any shortage of space within the boundaries of the premises. Indeed there is sufficient space for the car park which is significantly under utilised.
I would love to remain a customer of the Range but find it very disappointing that when I drive I'm welcome at the store but when I choose to travel by bicycle, my custom is suddenly not valued. What is the proposal for those arriving by bike? Is there any alternative to locking a bike at a stand if this can't be provided? Where are we expected to put bicycles, or is it going to be fully accepted that they are wheeled around the store? My previous experience relied on a staff member's goodwill in allowing me to lean it on the wall inside. However there was nothing to lock to.
I keenly await a response on this,
Many thanks
Received a slightly more positive/helpful response yesterday although it seems pretty clear that there is no intention to do anything, and that they will likely hide behind terms of lease or some such.
Thank you for your email.
I am very sorry to hear of the disappointment that you feel with the lack of bike racks at our Edinburgh Store. We certainly do not want any of our customers to feel this way.
I would like to clarify, both myself and the Edinburgh Store Manager do agree that due to the location of the store, and the fact that the carpark has a cycle path running right through it, we would benefit from having a bike rack. The Store Manager has agreed to actioned this request and forward your comments onto the regional manager to review.
I would however like to bring to your attention that, given that we are a solus sight and unit, and that it has always been very difficult to get anything for the carpark, such as bins, signage, landscaping etc, I unfortunately cannot offer any guarantees at this point.
I trust that this information is of assistance to you and I can assure you, that I will do my best to assist with this enquiry,
Yours Sincerely,
Now, perhaps those in the know can correct me but is a solus site not just a standalone building? As in, the same as pretty much any large shop - Asda included. They had no problem at all with creating trolley bays or a car park the same size as the store itself so really a couple of sheffield stands should be no issue. Unless there's a lack of will, of course...
Posted 7 years ago # -
I think an issue could be that the shed is rented and the externals - car parking etc will be someone else's responsibility.
Posted 7 years ago # -
This will wholly come down to what's permissible in the lease and indeed, if the car park and surrounding areas are included within the boundary of the lease and the tenants obligations. So even if the manager and regional manager agree they should install racks there is no guarantee they or the company themselves even have the power to do so.
Posted 7 years ago # -
"Ideal temporary bike parking solution":
http://www.cyclehoop.com/product/racks/car-bike-port/Posted 7 years ago # -
Checked the planning portal - turns out it's owned by Aegon property fund.
A change of use to sell food was applied for in 2010 which was denied on appeal in 2012.
The transport report included the provision of at least 42 cycle parking spaces. Yet they do now sell food, and no sign of even 4 bike spaces, or any planning notices since. Very odd.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Maybe write to Adrian Grace, CEO of Aegon UK, and ask for his help.
He's a cyclist and Aegon are very keen on their corporate social and community responsibility. Not to mention the fact that Aegon is a Dutch company, and we know what the Dutch attitude to cycling is!
Posted 7 years ago # -
Thread whiplash!
Has there been any change in the parking situation there? I could do with popping in but on Streetview even the trolley bay looks useless.
Edit: I phoned them. They allege there are 'wee racks' next to the trolleys. Wheel benders maybe?
Posted 5 years ago #
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