As part of a pilot program, enclosed bike lockers are available at three locations downtown to help provide cyclists a secure space to park their bike.
These bike lockers are located at the north east corner of Dundas Street and Wellington Street, the north end of Clarence Street (between the former Williams Café and Victoria Park), and the P1 level in the underground parking garage at the Covent Garden Market.
The lockers are made of a fibreglass shell and feature six secure, weather-protected lockers large enough to hold one standard adult-sized, two-wheel bike. Lockers are not large enough for a trike, cargo bike or long-tail bike.
Watch a video that shows how to use the bike lockers
Frequently asked questions
What is a bike locker?
A bike locker is a large locker (box) in parking lots or in the public right-of-way that you can rent to store your bike. Each locker is accessed by a locked door. The locker protects your bike from the weather and is more secure than locking to a bike rack, post or corral.
More secure bike parking downtown has been identified as a need by downtown residents, workers and visitors.
Where are the bike lockers located?
As part of a one-year pilot project, the City of London installed three banks of lockers (each bank has a capacity for six bikes) in three locations downtown:
- Covent Garden Market underground parking garage – P1 level around the corner from the entrance/exit ramps
- North east corner of Dundas and Wellington Streets
- North end of Clarence Street (between Victoria Park and Libro Credit Union)
Four lockers in each area are hourly rentals accessed by the free Movatic smartphone App, and two of the lockers are monthly rentals accessed by completing a rental agreement at City Hall.
You do need a smartphone to access the hourly rentals. This is identified as a barrier to some, and will be part of the pilot project analysis.
How do I rent a locker?
For short-term rentals (1+ hours), users can access four of the six the lockers by using the free Movatic smartphone App. The App can be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play. Cyclists can also download the App on site by scanning a QR code on each locker.
A user's smartphone should be held 4” from the door lock. It will make a popping sound before opening.
You can also reserve a locker from home using Movatic. When you get to the locker, it is waiting for you. To note that the clock starts ticking when you reserve it.
To rent a locker on a monthly basis, email cycling@london.ca. City staff will first let you know if a locker is available or add you to a wait list. The Clerks Department at City Hall is where you will then complete a Rental Agreement.
How much does it cost to rent a locker?
During the pilot project, the hourly Movatic rate is free for the first two hours; then $0.50 per hour for a maximum of 24 hours. Then, this resets for a new rental period of 24 hours.
A $25 hold is taken from your bank account upon renting a locker. This, minus any rental cost, is reimbursed once you end your rental.
The monthly rental fee is $20/month (plus HST). In addition, the Applicant shall pay $100 as a security deposit. A key to the locker will only be provided upon full payment of the fee and security deposit.
During the pilot, the City will be offering a partial rebate on the monthly rate if the participant chooses to engage in a survey regarding their bike parking experience.
How long can I rent a locker?
You can unlock the locker at any time using the Movatic App. The first two hours are free.
Don’t forget to click on “End Rental” when you retrieve your bike!
A locker can be rented for a maximum of four months at a time. If the renter would like to extend their rental period, they must visit City Hall to complete a new rental agreement.
How big is the bike locker?
A locker is large enough to hold one standard adult-sized, two-wheel bike. It is not large enough for many bikes with tall handle bars, many e-bikes, trike, cargo bike, long-tail bike, or some e-bikes.
The locker door opening is 45” tall and 30 ¾” wide.
The interior of each locker is a triangle shape with the narrow end at the back. The cyclist can back their bike into the locker.
The locker has enough space for a helmet, jacket or other outer clothing, a pack, and other related cycling gear ordinarily used by cyclists.
Who do I speak to if I have more questions about the bike lockers?
For more information, please call the City of London at 519-661-2489 x 4935 or email
cycling@london.ca
Who do I contact in case of an emergency related to the lockers?
Please contact the City’s Corporate Security at 519-933-3929.