Cardiff is set to take a bold step in the fight against bike theft with the upcoming launch of secure cycle storage lockers across the city, offering a safer and more sustainable option for cyclists. Ahead of the official rollout on 1 August 2025, Cardiff Council has unveiled details of the scheme, giving residents and commuters a first look at what to expect.
The new storage solution introduces secure, high-quality bike lockers that will be installed in key city centre locations. In total, 30 lockers will be in place as part of the initial phase, with plans to expand to 100 units in the first year and continue growing over the next five years.
Each locker features a living roof, helping to boost urban biodiversity and support the council’s ambitious One Planet Cardiff strategy. The lockers are battery-powered, removing the need for costly electrical grid connections and supporting low-impact installation across various sites.
To make the lockers accessible and convenient, users will be able to reserve and pay for a locker via a dedicated mobile app, with prices expected to be between £1 and £1.50 per day. This pricing model follows feedback from public consultation, which showed strong support for a small, affordable fee to maintain the security and upkeep of the facilities.
Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said:
“The Council is committed to improving the facilities for cyclists as we are fully aware there are issues with bike theft and damage to bikes in Cardiff.
“By offering secure and reliable solutions for cyclists, we hope more people will dust off their bikes in their garage and start cycling again, confident that their bike will be safe when parked.”
The initiative has been developed with input from South Wales Police and leading cycle security experts to ensure maximum deterrence against theft and vandalism.
In addition to the city centre installations, the Council is preparing to launch a pilot scheme for secure cycle hangars in residential areas, with public consultation set to begin soon. This will provide residents who do not have access to private outdoor space with safe options for storing their bikes at home.
The scheme supports Cardiff’s broader efforts to encourage active travel, reduce car use, and improve air quality, while making cycling more accessible and secure for all.
