On yer bike – Charging stations and secure parking coming to Whakatāne

Marking an important step in the drive for more active and sustainable transport options, the Trust has supported Whakatāne District with $80k of funding to achieve a country first.

‘Locky Docks’ - secure bike racks with free charging stations for e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters - will soon debut in Whakatāne.

Acting Manager Transportation at Whakatāne District Council, David Wathall, says the initiative fits within Council’s Active Whakatāne Strategy, supporting local communities to be active by providing safe infrastructure and removing barriers to being active.

“Choosing active transport improves our health, reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion, and frees up parking for those that need it. It also provides our tamariki / children and other non-drivers more freedom to move around safely.”

“We know bike security can be a concern and a barrier for using a bike, as can the cost of charging an e-bike. Thanks to a generous grant of $80k from Trust Horizon, we’re thrilled to launch ‘Locky Docks’ across the District.”

The Locky Docks are designed to be easy to use: a rider simply needs to roll up to a Locky Dock; open the arm; activate the Locky Dock via the app, a Bee Card, or payWave card; and secure the bike between the dock and the arm. Each lock offers a power outlet where electric bike riders can charge their ride for free, as long as they bring a charger.

Trust Horizon CE, Derek Caudwell, welcomes the new active transport facilities made possible by the Trust’s grant and says further funding is available to support local communities in making climate-friendly choices by way of its Sustainable Energy Transition fund.

Cleve Cameron, co-founder of the Locky Dock system, says Whakatāne is leading the way for climate action transport in Aotearoa.

“Whakatāne District Council is the first Council in the country to install a Locky Dock network, enabling free, secure parking and charging infrastructure for locals and manuhiri / visitors alike.”

He adds, “We know Locky Docks make it easier for more people to ride more often, reducing the number of short car trips they take. It's an exciting moment for the District and a great challenge to other regional centres to get on board with this Kiwi-led and immediate solution to climate change.”

Find out more about our Trust Horizon community funding here.