New supervised bike shed?

cambridge · 20-02-2012 6:34pm #1

Would you use such a service if one exists? Would you elect me if i promised to deliver on it?

I was having a chat with the local gardaí on campus and he said there are bikes stolen on a weekly basis in UL. Young fellas from the local area come in with bolt cutters and in a matter of minutes make off with some student's bike. This is actually a big business and not just petty theft. However very few bikes are returned unfortunetly.

What do the students think of building some kind of bike shed. Something with enough space for about 100 bikes, you cycle in, lock with your own key and you get something like a cloak room ticket. You pay a fee, perhaps 2 euro. There will be a lad supervising the bikes, only people with tickets and a key can enter, bikes kept for more than a week will be removed.

just an idea open to have it dissected and improved upon.

has it been trialed before and is it a runner?

highlydebased · 20-02-2012 6:39pm

afaik money is being provided for this under the smarter travel scheme which will see the removal of parking spaces for cars, and instead provide bike parking in the Engineering Research Building along with showers and lockers.....all to encourage people to cycle.

cambridge · 20-02-2012 6:50pm

cool, can i still take credit for it?

johnny-fatality · 20-02-2012 7:35pm

highlydebased wrote: »

which will see the removal of parking spaces for cars,

Is that actually going to happen?

highlydebased · 20-02-2012 8:38pm

johnny-fatality wrote: »

Is that actually going to happen?

Apparently

garv123 · 20-02-2012 8:43pm

Encourage more students to cycle instead of driving by charging for a bike space. no thanks

CiaranMT · 20-02-2012 9:51pm

garv123 wrote: »

Encourage more students to cycle instead of driving by charging for a bike space. no thanks

This.

All that's needed is more bike-stands, which would be relatively cheap to install, and a better cycle-path layout.

Popoutman · 21-02-2012 1:04am

Agreed about the cycle path layout. It's very hard to easily get from the main gate to either the Schuman or the Foundation building on cycle paths, and the cycle path that apparently crosses the entrance to the main pay carpark is not well signposted for either cyclists or drivers..

It would be good to have insured bike lockers if there's going to be a charge for a secure bike storage space - no other way would I cycle my main bike in to the college with the current lack of safe secure bike storage areas. I'll have to get a piece'o'crap to commute to the college with, one that wouldn't have me too much out of pocket if I were to see it stolen. Unfortunately I don't have easy access to e.g. an office where I could leave a bike during the day in relative safety. Properly secured storage now, that'd be nice.

J_E · 21-02-2012 1:36am

They could do with revising the current path at the East Gate which isn't very bike friendly.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 1:37am

garv123 wrote: »

Encourage more students to cycle instead of driving by charging for a bike space. no thanks

CiaranMT wrote: »

This.

All that's needed is more bike-stands, which would be relatively cheap to install, and a better cycle-path layout.

you actually couldn't be any more wrong. the problem isn't bike stands it's people robbing bikes. you can park your bike in the preexisting stands as much as you want.

seriously, some people in this college don't have a clue

garv123 · 21-02-2012 1:56am

cambridge wrote: »

you actually couldn't be any more wrong. the problem isn't bike stands it's people robbing bikes. you can park your bike in the preexisting stands as much as you want.

seriously, some people in this college don't have a clue

Well then the main bike place in UL seems to be by the private carpark before the courtyard wouldnt you agree? Where there is already a security hut /room for the carpark so why not pay someone to sit in there and watch the bikes instead of building somewhere new to do the same purpose.

And do you plan on having one of these secure places at each block of the colllege.. main, schuman schrodinger, health science, pess etc because alot of people are based in different buildings.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 1:58am

i think we may have our wires crossed.

Are you in agreement we need a supervised bike park?

garv123 · 21-02-2012 2:02am

cambridge wrote: »

i think we may have our wires crossed.

Are you in agreement we need a supervised bike park?

You could get campus security to monitor the existing ones more since their HQ is beside the main one, but building a new place is i dont agree with. more parking i would agree with.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 2:04am

oh right, some subtle differences then.

you'd have to ask why aren't campus security not already watching bikes.

i will do some personal research on the coming weeks, might set up a honey pot bike and set up surveillance and she what kind of scumbag tries to rob it and see what security do.

CiaranMT · 21-02-2012 1:48pm

cambridge wrote: »

you actually couldn't be any more wrong. the problem isn't bike stands it's people robbing bikes. you can park your bike in the preexisting stands as much as you want.

seriously, some people in this college don't have a clue

Is there a record of on-campus thefts? That'd make for interesting reading. Mine was stolen before Christmas, but that was from the back of our house in College Court.

Like Garvan says, the main bike hub is beside the security HQ, which (afaik) is manned 24/7?

And, as he also mentioned, where would you put it? A lot of people are based in a lot of different areas in college.

sceptre · 21-02-2012 2:30pm

cambridge wrote: »

cool, can i still take credit for it?

Let's pretend you're not serious because, if you are, you don't deserve any votes at all if that's what you do.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 4:49pm

CiaranMT wrote: »

Is there a record of on-campus thefts? That'd make for interesting reading. Mine was stolen before Christmas, but that was from the back of our house in College Court.

Like Garvan says, the main bike hub is beside the security HQ, which (afaik) is manned 24/7?

And, as he also mentioned, where would you put it? A lot of people are based in a lot of different areas in college.

yeah ask the guards i don't have the figures myself.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 4:49pm

sceptre wrote: »

Let's pretend you're not serious because, if you are, you don't deserve any votes at all if that's what you do.

seriously, no flies on you is there.

garv123 · 21-02-2012 4:53pm

cambridge wrote: »

yeah ask the guards i don't have the figures myself.

You should have the research done if you are serious.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 4:56pm

i heard there were loads, basically one a week at least. one day some lads broke into 17 cars in the same day. I don't have the actual report in front of me, i've already doine the research. if you want specifics ask the guards.

CiaranMT · 21-02-2012 5:00pm

cambridge wrote: »

i heard there were loads, basically one a week at least. one day some lads broke into 17 cars in the same day. I don't have the actual report in front of me, i've already doine the research. if you want specifics ask the guards.

Your trolling is getting lazy.

If you were serious about this you'd be able to back up your argument with stats about the level of robberies.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 5:04pm

Listen ciaran, you were called and caught out for saying you need to be a politician to be su president. you were proven wrong.

i had my car broken into before xmas and i went to the police station and filed a report. I asked the gardaí what's the story is it a common occurence. he said it happens all the time, young fellas walk in with bolt cutters down their pants. walk over to a bike, whip the cutters out and snap the lock in 5 seconds and cycle it off. all happens in a matter of minutes, everywhere on campus. they have CCTV coverage and they sometimes catch the lads as their known criminals. most of them were underage so hard to punish.

he told me that one day 2 lads broke into 17 cars in one day, smashing side windows robbing radios, coats, iphones, ipods, anything on display of value. They were caught eventually.

the gardai told me never leave valuables on the display, put everything in the boot if you have stuff in your car. I don't him it was ****ing ridiculus the level of crime in UL but he said they were doing their best and so were campus security.

this is a genuine story, don't believe anything else i say if you want, but all of that is true.

call me a liar again and i won't entertain your trolling any further.

CiaranMT · 21-02-2012 5:16pm

cambridge wrote: »

Listen ciaran, you were called and caught out for saying you need to be a politician to be su president. you were proven wrong.

Different thread (irrelevant here), and not what I said either. Go back and read the post.

i had my car broken into before xmas and i went to the police station and filed a report.... young fellas walk in with bolt cutters down their pants. walk over to a bike, whip the cutters out and snap the lock in 5 seconds and cycle it off.

I thought we were talking about bikes here? Which is it?

he told me that one day 2 lads broke into 17 cars in one day, smashing side windows robbing radios, coats, iphones, ipods, anything on display of value. They were caught eventually.

This isn't unique to UL. This happens all over town. Like I said earlier, my own bike was stolen before Christmas.

the gardai told me never leave valuables on the display, put everything in the boot if you have stuff in your car.

This is a basic, basic thing that you should be aware of if you own a car. Having a car broken into and the contents swiped is akin to the issue a few years ago where students would leave apartment windows and doors open and a number of personal items were stolen. You're asking for it to happen.

call me a liar again and i won't entertain your trolling any further.

Reported for this. Where did I call you a liar, or even imply it?

You're derailing your own thread at this stage.

ninty9er · 22-02-2012 2:03am

The idea with smarter travel is things like these:

It's been a while in the offing and the original application was submitted in 2009 AFAIK.

cambridge · 22-02-2012 2:12am

i think sometimes we get carried away with technology. we have these 50 inch plasma tv screens that basically do what a chalk board would do. all you need is a bike rake and an old geeser with a thermos and a chair stopping the scum stealing them.

ninty9er · 22-02-2012 2:20am

cambridge wrote: »

i think sometimes we get carried away with technology. we have these 50 inch plasma tv screens that basically do what a chalk board would do. all you need is a bike rake and an old geeser with a thermos and a chair stopping the scum stealing them.

And paying someone a salary works out more sustainable how?

cambridge · 22-02-2012 2:21am

i know we're mad to be paying your salary but people need jobs.

could we replace derek daly with a robot?

ninty9er · 22-02-2012 2:23am

cambridge wrote: »

i know we're mad to be paying your salary but people need jobs.

could we replace derek daly with a robot?

I suppose we'll see at election time, eh;)

cambridge · 22-02-2012 2:25am

;)

you're some man derek.

those cubicles store one bike each? 10 of them? you'd need a squadron of them dotted around campus.

they have bike sheds in thomond village, if we could get a bigger one of those and have it swipe only with good cctv.you could see everyone who swiped in and you could see everyone who robbed/ damaged bikes. with the exception of tail gaters you would prevent a lot of theft.

Zeouterlimits · 22-02-2012 2:27am

My roommates bike was stolen last week, during the week.
My bike was stolen at the weekend. A 20 year old, rusted to hell, no gears or mod-cons of any kind, crappy piece of nostalgia.

Whoever is in charge, I would love to see something done about this.

garv123 · 22-02-2012 2:30am

garv123 wrote: »

And do you plan on having one of these secure places at each block of the colllege.. main, schuman schrodinger, health science, pess etc because alot of people are based in different buildings.

cambridge wrote: »

;)

they have bike sheds in thomond village, if we could get a bigger one of those and have it swipe only with good cctv.you could see everyone who swiped in and you could see everyone who robbed/ damaged bikes. with the exception of tail gaters you would prevent a lot of theft.

Still never got a answer to my question.

cambridge · 22-02-2012 2:33am

garv123 wrote: »

Still never got a answer to my question.

How would i know? Wha'ts the point in me saying have one in every building when campus services come back and say you can't get planning permission. stop acting like a petulent, naive, silly little child. this isn't sim city i'm building.

anyone with common sense would know that a paid service like this would be introduced for about 50 bikes in the most centrally accessiable location. if you want to park your bike in the kemmy for free you can, but you risk it getting knicked.

if you want to park it in some less convienient place bu is supervised that will severely reduce the likelihood of it being knicked you also can do that.

i don't have time to my addressing all these silly comments.

garv123 · 22-02-2012 2:37am

cambridge wrote: »

How would i know? Wha'ts the point in me saying have one in every building when campus services come back and say you can't get planning permission. stop acting like a petulent, naive, silly little child. this isn't sim city i'm building.

anyone with common sense would know that a paid service like this would be introduced for about 50 bikes in the most centrally accessiable location. if you want to park your bike in the kemmy for free you can, but you risk it getting knicked.

if you want to park it in some less convienient place bu is supervised that will severely reduce the likelihood of it being knicked you also can do that.

i don't have time to my addressing all these silly comments.

Too busy making election posters? :pac::pac::pac:

cambridge · 22-02-2012 2:42am

waste of paper

yesno1234 · 22-02-2012 4:07am

I inspected a group of 4 lads (between the ages of 12-16 can't be sure it was dark, probably towards the younger end of the scale) checking bikes (presumably to see if they had no bike locks on them) at the bike racks on the path between Stables and the Library. Had no number for campus security on me but rang them when I got home, in hindsight I should have went into the stables and asked them to ring but my head was fried and I wasn't thinking at all. When I walked by 2 more lads came towards me from the direction of the SU spar, one of them on a bike. Was it stolen? I don't know but I presume so tbh.

J_E · 22-02-2012 4:21am

I think it's a good idea, but the 2 euro cost is offputting for students who cycle to college on a daily basis. What if they leave in the morning and return in the evening? 4 euro for the day? It's a good feeling to know your bike will be safe and secure but the question is if students are willing to pay 10-15 euro a week for the service. I know some will be but others not so much.

Chris Martin · 22-02-2012 12:01pm

cambridge wrote: »

Stop acting like a petulent, naive, silly little child. this isn't sim city i'm building.

anyone with common sense would know

i don't have time to my addressing all these silly comments.

I must say now, you're not selling yourself that well to the fine eligible voters of Boards, despite your "excellent" yet extremely vague idea.

cambridge wrote: »

waste of paper

Of that, I have no doubt.

CiaranMT · 22-02-2012 1:49pm

cambridge wrote: »

How would i know? Wha'ts the point in me saying have one in every building when campus services come back and say you can't get planning permission. stop acting like a petulent, naive, silly little child. this isn't sim city i'm building.

You don't do self-awareness, do you?

i don't have time to my addressing all these silly comments.

This just shows the level your candidacy (LOL) is at.

cambridge · 22-02-2012 3:10pm

Cydoniac wrote: »

I think it's a good idea, but the 2 euro cost is offputting for students who cycle to college on a daily basis. What if they leave in the morning and return in the evening? 4 euro for the day? It's a good feeling to know your bike will be safe and secure but the question is if students are willing to pay 10-15 euro a week for the service. I know some will be but others not so much.

seriously, you don't understand the issue. how much is your bike worth? there are people cycling into college with 400 euro bikes. 600 euro bikes. 2000 euro bike. they would jump at the chance to pay a nominal fee to have it looked after. how much do you pay to you put your jacket into icon?

CiaranMT · 22-02-2012 5:20pm

cambridge wrote: »

seriously, you don't understand the issue. how much is your bike worth?

You keep saying that none of us understand these issues, when clearly, you haven't a notion yourself.

there are people cycling into college with 400 euro bikes. 600 euro bikes. 2000 euro bike. they would jump at the chance to pay a nominal fee to have it looked after.

Are these real people you have canvassed on this issue?

Or is this another bald assertion with nothing but a put-down to back it up when you get called on it?

No-one in their right mind is going to be cycling a €2,000 bike to college in the first place. Bikes for that money are proper racing bikes used in competition.

Also, as a cyclist I take note of the bikes on campus. Very few would be worth north of €500 when bought new, I'd estimate it at between 5-10%.
Sure, there are some nice Giants and Treks around, but they only stand out because the vast majority of bikes are pieces of shi'ite (like my own).

how much do you pay to you put your jacket into icon?

Not a comparable issue, unless you're in Icon every night of the week.

€2 a day as suggested by Cydoniac is not 'a nominal fee'. That adds up to €10 a week, or approx. €130-140 a semester. Then you have his fairly reasonable point about how to go about accommodating those who may want to leave and come back in the same day.

€1 a day may be more manageable, but with all the free spots, I don't see much demand for this service.

cambridge · 22-02-2012 5:29pm

CiaranMT wrote: »

You keep saying that none of us understand these issues, when clearly, you haven't a notion yourself.

talking to you is like talking to a child brat.

Are these real people you have canvassed on this issue?

yes, postgrads, staff, undergrads. all have said they've no problem spending the price of bus fare securing their bike on a daily basis. many said they got nice bikes on the cycle to work scheme but didn't use them because fear of theft or vandalism, they only use them on weekends. if they could guarantee their safety they'd use them.

Or is this another bald assertion with nothing but a put-down to back it up when you get called on it?

you know nothing

No-one in their right mind is going to be cycling a €2,000 bike to college in the first place. Bikes for that money are proper racing bikes used in competition.

they would if they weren't going to get robbed. you do know other than you and your scummy mates more people use this college? staff. post-grads. there are people who own 2k euro bikes.

Also, as a cyclist I take note of the bikes on campus.

cop on to your self

because the vast majority of bikes are pieces of shi'ite (like my own).

exactly, because of fear of theft. everyone says get a ****ty little bike you wouldn't mind losing to cycle to ul in because if you use a nice one it will be nicked or kicked in.

€1 a day may be more manageable, but with all the free spots, I don't see much demand for this service.

you know nothing

Delta Kilo · 22-02-2012 5:41pm

I agree there could be demand for this, I know people with expensive bikes. Its like the running craze that seems to be going on. Aside from the people who used the bike to work schemes to get expensive lawn mowers, lots of people seem to have bought expensive bikes and all the gear to go with it.

as an aside, you can forget about security looking after them. They are there for one reason only, to protect the property of the university, they don't care about your car or bike.

CiaranMT · 22-02-2012 5:44pm

cambridge wrote: »

talking to you is like talking to a child brat.

Stay classy, cambridge.

yes, postgrads, staff, undergrads. all have said they've no problem spending the price of bus fare securing their bike on a daily basis. many said they got nice bikes on the cycle to work scheme but didn't use them because fear of theft or vandalism, they only use them on weekends. if they could guarantee their safety they'd use them.

There ya go, providing some evidence for your argument wasn't so hard.

they would if they weren't going to get robbed. you do know other than you and your scummy mates more people use this college? staff. post-grads. there are people who own 2k euro bikes.

Leave out the 'scummy' bit. It's sad. For a postgrad you seem to have a very immature approach to debate.

I'm aware that these people have bikes. I said to you that these people make up a very small minority.

cop on to your self

How about you engage in the debate instead of these tiresome put-downs?

exactly, because of fear of theft. everyone says get a ****ty little bike you wouldn't mind losing to cycle to ul in because if you use a nice one it will be nicked or kicked in.

Naturally. That made up some of the rationale for buying the bike I did. But...

It was mostly financial reasons. The vast, vast majority of students can't afford to spend €500+ on bikes because of existing costs, such as rent, increasing college fees, books, club/soc activities, socialising etc.

you know nothing

Classy. Really classy cambridge. You'll go far in the SU.

cambridge · 22-02-2012 5:47pm

CiaranMT wrote: »

S
It was mostly financial reasons. The vast, vast majority of students can't afford to spend €500+ on bikes because of existing costs, such as rent, increasing college fees, books, club/soc activities, socialising etc.
.

you know nothing. look at how many people have cars. look at the packed out car parks. if you can afford a car and petrol you can afford a bike. you're making a show of your self trying to pick at my arguments. you've been shown to be under informed and wrong. you've lost any credibility you had, you're trying to troll me and as the lad in the other thread said, you're ruining the forum.

derek daly has already said the process is already in place for some lockable bit sheds etc. and then you turn around and say there is no demand for it because students can't afford a euro. you are genuinely clueless.

Peteee · 22-02-2012 6:02pm

Cambridge, banned for personal abuse. This has been a long time coming.

CiaranMT · 22-02-2012 6:09pm

cambridge wrote: »

you know nothing. look at how many people have cars. look at the packed out car parks. if you can afford a car and petrol you can afford a bike. you're making a show of your self trying to pick at my arguments. you've been shown to be under informed and wrong. you've lost any credibility you had, you're trying to troll me

Again, how many parking spaces are there? What percentage of students drive to college? And, of those, how many would even want to cycle? These are things you have to consider.

There are far more students without the means to afford a car than those with them.

As for your posts in general, baldly stating 'you know nothing' and 'under informed and wrong' a) doesn't make it true, and b) shows how weak your argument is if you have to resort to petty jibes.

Your troll accusation is even worse, since I'm the one debating the idea in a reasonable manner. All you're mustering is some half-baked retorts and veiled insults.

as the lad in the other thread said, you're ruining the forum.

I should be so honoured. Where is this? You sure they weren't referring to you?

derek daly has already said the process is already in place for some lockable bit sheds etc. and then you turn around and say there is no demand for it because students can't afford a euro. you are genuinely clueless.

I never said there wouldn't be demand. No-one has said that, in fact. But nice try with the strawman.

What has been questioned is the feasability, the location, the necessity and students' willingness to pay for such a service.

I also said €1 would be more manageable, and highlighted Cydoniac's point about repeated use throughout the day.

Again, try and respond to the points raised and avoid personal attacks.

CiaranMT · 22-02-2012 6:12pm

Just saw your post there Peteee.

garv123 · 22-02-2012 7:29pm

I do love how you've only been in Ireland 6 months and has only met other Americans and Chinese girls but yet you know whats best for all the college and everyone else is wrong.

:pac::rolleyes:

Edit:

Only saw the banned post myself there too.

Popoutman · 23-02-2012 2:04am

I would love to be able to cycle my good bike to college as it's just that much more comfortable to ride, plus I already own it and I wouldn't have to go and get a third piece of crap bike just for commuting .
One of the main reasons that I drive to college in a Thursday or Friday is that I go to the office from a lecture for the night's work. I'd usually finish between 00.30 and ~03.00 and it's not really safe to cycle around castletroy at that stage, plus I'd arrive home pumped up from a cycle and not finding it easy to sleep at all - so I drive to work to be able to drive home.
If there's a properly secure bike store where I could safely store €2k of a bike without fear of damage or theft. That would mean that I could cycle back to the house to get the car. I would do that on a regular basis instead of driving in, trying to find a free space (either staff or pay as my gf is staff), and getting stuck in traffic trying to leave.
I'd like to see how the security would be implemented, and what insurance there would be in place to cover damage or theft of bikes.

seen2Bgreen · 25-02-2012 2:41pm

its amazing how many expensive bikes there are all around campus, locked with the sh ittiest cheap locks.

BUY A BETTER LOCK!

Chimaera · 25-02-2012 3:37pm

The best solution IMO for locking bikes is a good quality shackle (U) lock, something like Kryptonite or Oxford brand. Lock the bike in such a way that there's no space to fit a bottle jack into the 'U' and you're good. I usually lock through the chainstays.

Cable locks can be beaten by a bolt cutters. Cheap shackle locks only need a few belts of a hammer to shatter the lock. Same for the lock on a lot of cable locks. Shackle locks can also be opened by putting a small bottle jack (used for jacking cars) into the 'U' and bursting the 'U' apart.

Never lock through a wheel only, wheels are easy enough to take off. Finally, if you have quick release wheels and saddle, consider replacing the quick release fasteners with non-QR ones. Most bike shops sell security skewers which will replace the QR axle skewers with a bolt in type, and they often come with a bolt for the saddle too.

New supervised bike shed?

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