Although progress has been slower than anticipated, things are moving forward steadily. Bike repair station Firstly, a big thank you to Beyond Recycling and Chris Day for awarding us a lockable Bike Repair Station. This holds the bike up to make it easier to work on and provides secured tools, a pump and a QR code that links to a full set of bike repair instructions. It can of course also be used for skate boards, wheelchairs etc. Bike Shelter and power Installation A zoom has been scheduled with key stakeholders this coming wednesday to clarify and agree power and shelter installation issues. Richard the electrician isn’t able to instal the cable before March. UrbanFab Bike Shelter Since no locally manufactured solutions have emerged, I’ve approached Stuart from UrbanFab to confirm that he’ll keep the 10 bike shelter for us at the current sale price. Tho I’d originally budgeted for an 8 bike shelter, the 10 bike shelter on offer is less than a £100 more, has a panel in the middle of the front that creates two sections. This means that the electric bikes and the bike storage sections can be accessed via different gates and the central panel also makes it sturdier. If masonry paint works on metal (?) we have a big pot of bright yellow paint for it. eTrike After Andy from eBikes Dufftown showed the Jorvik etrike by zoom, I went back through notes from Bev (huge thanks!). She’d discovered Alpine Bikes and their titling trikes as well as mountain trikes that feature a lower centre of gravity. This company champions customer service and brings their trikes from Leicester to induct customers via a 90 minute session as part of their service. I spoke to the manager who has offered to bring both their tilting etrike and their Explorer Mountain trike from Leicester so we can try them both before we buy one. This may not be before April. Let me know if you’re interested. eBikes I have spoken with Steve E and Gareth from Cycle Solutions who have offered to supply us with ebikes at near cost. I’m waiting to hear which 2 ebikes they can supply us within our budget. Security A number of people have asked about security. The shelter is metal and will have a sturdy combination lock on each gate. It will also have a solar sensor light on top and inside and is overlooked by houses. It is however see-through which possibly isn’t ideal. Security in terms of theft of bikes or parts while on loan needs closer investigation. Each bike/trike will have a D lock and we’ll need to establish how to keep batteries safe while parked outside shops etc. Harriet from como.org.uk says the Vodaphone Curve trackers deserve investigating. Plaque A plaque is planned to thank all the sponsors. Initially I thought to credit the Council and Coastal by logo and mention businesses who funded the shelter for amounts of £100 or above. However, if y'all agree, it would be great to mention everyone who sponsored the project by first name. Systems and processes Fancy jumping on an ebike or etrike this spring? Come join our steering/ co-ordination group to ensure it works well. Fortunately, Harriet/ CoMo is publishing guidance including user agreements this week. However, we’ll need a range of project specific policies. Plus someone to check the wording of the insurance policy we’ve been quoted on. Harriet suggested two potential apps and has a research student investigating community friendly app options. We’ll also need alternatives for people who don’t have smart phones, money or perhaps even proper ID or security deposits. Hopefully spring will see all or at least many of you having regular ebike adventures. Please let me know your thoughts and what you can help with to get us there. Please mail: hubonthehillswansea @ gmail.com (spaces added to prevent spam). till soon, Leonie
