Removal of Cycle Parking

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction regarding the removal of the cycle parking stands in Wimbledon Village following the recent street refurbishment works.

I have regularly used these cycle stands since 2020 and have found them to be a valuable and well-used piece of local infrastructure. Despite the completion of the refurbishment works, the cycle parking facilities have not been reinstated, leaving cyclists with fewer options for securely parking their bicycles when visiting the village.

This decision is particularly difficult to understand given the repeated messages from both local and regional government encouraging residents to reduce their reliance on private cars for short journeys. Londoners are continually urged to walk, cycle, or use public transport wherever possible. These policies have been strongly promoted by the Mayor of London and are consistent with wider environmental, health and congestion-reduction objectives.

Against that backdrop, the removal of existing cycle parking without replacement appears entirely contrary to those stated aims. Rather than encouraging sustainable travel, it creates an obstacle for those who have chosen to cycle and who are actively supporting the transport and environmental policies that councils claim to champion.

I would therefore like answers to the following questions:

Why were the cycle parking stands removed as part of the Wimbledon Village refurbishment project? Was a formal assessment undertaken of the impact this would have on cyclists? Was there any public consultation regarding the removal of these facilities? Are there plans to replace the cycle parking stands, and if so, when? How does the removal of cycle parking align with Merton Council's stated commitment to sustainable and active travel?

I find it extraordinary that a council which promotes cycling and seeks to reduce car usage would remove established cycle parking facilities from a busy local centre. It beggars belief that such a decision could be taken without providing a suitable alternative.

I would appreciate a full explanation of the rationale behind this decision and details of any plans to restore cycle parking provision in Wimbledon Village.

I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully, Paul Mondelli