HIGH-RISE residents on the Southside are being given new cycle storage that will help make travelling by bike easier - and cut thefts.

New cycle stores in Pollokshields and Cardonald will have space for 99 bicycles, helping those with limited space in their homes or who can't store bikes on stairwells.

Glasgow City Council has attributed the scheme to problems with storage and thefts from landings.

And residents have told of the hassle of how they have to carry their bikes up in lifts every day.   

Roseline Kamaleswaran, a resident from Swinton Place in Cardonald, said: “I’m really looking forward to being allocated a cycle storage space to store my bike.  

"It will save space in my flat and will avoid the hassle of taking it into the lift each time."

The scheme has been organised by Southside Housing Association with backing from Glasgow City Council and Cycling Scotland. 

Some 19 secure cycle storage units have been fitted on the ground floor next to apartment blocks.

It sits alongside the council’s heavily subscribed cycle shelter scheme delivered with operator, Cyclehoop, which is due to expand significantly over the next three years.

Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Transport, said: “The recent Walking and Cycling Index report shows there is a huge desire for people to participate more regularly cycling in Glasgow and it's our job to tap into this potential. 

"But where to store a bike is a problem that puts people off cycling and so a lack of storage is a barrier that needs to be broken down.

"The rapid uptake of spaces in our storage scheme with Cyclehoop shows people in tenements and flats want their bike to be accessible and ready to use as a means of everyday transport. 

"It is essential that we enhance the availability of cycle storage where ever we can and so it’s great to see these new units going in for Southside Housing Association residents.

"In a city where so many of us do not have access to a car, creating viable alternatives for getting about Glasgow is not only a matter of fairness but also crucial for reducing transport-related carbon emissions. 

"Increasing the availability of cycle storage can help to support the shift to more sustainable forms of transport that’s needed as part of the fight against climate change."

The secure spaces for 99 bikes next to Southside HA flats on St Andrews Crescent and Swinton Place have been funded through national schemes on air quality and active travel. 

Glasgow City Council has been working with Cycling Scotland to encourage more residents of social housing to participate in active travel with a focus on providing suitable storage.

Funding for the Southside HA shelters came from the Air Quality Action Plan and the Cycling Walking Safer Routes, both Scottish Government supported schemes.

Cycling Scotland also manages the Social Housing Partnership fund, which supports social housing providers nationwide to improve cycling facilities including cycle storage. 

Margaret McIntyre, chairwoman of Southside Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer residents in Cardonald and Pollokshields secure, street-level cycle storage.  

"Many of our residents live in multi-storey buildings and the new storage offers a more convenient way to store their bikes.  

"We hope that the new units will also encourage more residents to cycle, improving their health and well-being."