Locky Docks bring cycle security

Road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, BMX bikes - no matter the bicycle, people can now lock up and charge for free in the Taupō CBD.

The days of lugging a bike lock around are over with Locky Dock stations popping up all over New Zealand. The new stations being installed in Taupō are a first in the Central Plateau.

The first Locky Dock station in Taupō.

The lock and charge stations are free to use and came at no expense to ratepayers.

The stations are funded by Big Street Bikers and paid for by the digital advertising screen attached to it.

Big Street Bikers has partnerships with Mercury and oOh! Media to bring the initiative to cities and towns around New Zealand.

Taupō District Council road safety coordinator Sarah Wraight said installation of the first Locky Dock has just finished.

It is located outside the Taupō Customer and Visitor Information Centre on Tongariro Street, with more to come later this year.

“We are excited for this opportunity to make it easier for locals and tourists alike to get around, lock up, charge, shop and eat.”

Although the Locky Docks use a simple app, they can also be operated using a Locky Dock card so people don’t have to be digitally savvy.

Cards are available from the Taupō Customer and Visitor Information Centre and the Taupō Library for those who don’t want to use the app.

Wraight said there would be three stations installed around town.

The only expense for the council was to make some safety improvements, because there was a path behind the LockyDock and tree roots, and it was a tripping hazard.

She said it was a well-used area and people could now lock their bikes securely and go shopping.

When they returned, all they had to do was scan their phone or card, release the bike and ride off.