Decide how the lockers are to be used

There are several ways to operate a locker programme.

  1. ALLOCATION - The safest, simplest and best way for regular commuters is to allocate the lockers. There is then a further decision - whether to charge or not:

    1. FREE TO USERS - This system works best where employers are providing cycle lockers to employees at their work site. Allocate a key to each user, and log user's details, getting them to sign a statement stating that the locker will not be misused, and the key will be returned when they leave the company etc.

    2. RENTAL - The most popular method when providing lockers at unstaffed locations is to rent them out to individual users. Typical rental periods are on a monthly, 6 monthly, or yearly basis. Decide on a returnable key deposit charge and the monthly charge if required. Typical charges would be £20.00 key deposit and a monthly fee of £4.00 - £10.00.

      Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE) charge £8.00 per month, while Edinburgh University charge £40.00 a year. Users should complete a Locker Agreement Form. Deposit and payment must be obtained prior to allocating lockers to users, and many bus and rail companies will only allocate lockers to season ticket holders.

  2. ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS - For lockers in public locations, e.g. at leisure centres, town centres, at tourist information centres users can collect the key from the administrator/locker supervisor, and leave a deposit of, for example, £10.00 to be refunded when the key is returned.

  3. COIN/TOKEN OPERATED ("OPEN ACCESS") - This method initially appears attractive, but requires a much higher degree of administration and control. Regular cyclists will ensure they have a locker by simply removing the key! The operator has then lost control over the locker. "Open Access" also introduces the issue of misuse of the locker eg dirt, refuse, or the storage of materials, and the liability of children playing and getting trapped inside.

    Instructions and liability notices should be clearly displayed near the installation or ideally on the lockers, either on the front of doors or on the inside of the door panel. The locker supervisor should regularly check that the lockers are in good working order. A coin-retention method generates revenue, but also further issues to consider.

  4. USER'S OWN 'D' LOCK ("OPEN ACCESS") - This option again appears attractive, but means that ownership and control of the lockers has been lost. A regular cyclist will simply leave a cheap padlock on the locker, so on their return the locker will be available solely for their own use.

There are many factors to consider and Cycle-Works would be pleased to give advice for your specific requirements.