By NICOLE WILLIAMS
A PAKENHAM father has welcomed the addition of the Parkiteer bike cage at Pakenham Station after his son’s bike was stolen in November.
The bike cage officially opened last week has space for 21 bikes, with secure entry via an electronic swipe card.
Barry McElhinney said his son David would make use of the secure cage and they would soon purchase the swipe card.
“We’ll make use of it and we appreciate it being there,” Barry said.
“It was certainly needed. It is an unfortunate admission that we have to go to such measures to have the security but if it keep the bikes safe and the dishonest ones out then it is good to have it.”
David called for the bike cages in November last year after his bike, which was a celebration gift, was stolen along with the helmet and cable lock. He had only recently returned to cycling after a hip operation and needed the bike to get to and from school.
Bass MP Ken Smith and Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue officially opened the bike cage last Thursday.
“Thousands of people use Pakenham Railway Station every week and we recognise the importance of providing a range of ways for people to get to the station – whether that be by bus, car, or bicycle,” Mr Smith said.
“With secure bicycle parking, Pakenham Railway Station is bound to become popular with cyclists.”
Mr O’Donohue said there had already been a positive response to the Parkiteer at Pakenham.
“The Parkiteer at Pakenham is the 63rd on the network and more than 4500 cyclists are registered to use the cages, which proves how popular the system has become.”
The cages are funded by the Victorian Coalition Government, with use of the cages managed by Bicycle Network Victoria.
Mr O’Donohue said the Parkiteer builds on other investments the Coalition had made to Pakenham station, including an additional 106 free commuter car parks, additional services and a more reliable system.
The use of the secure Parkiteer bike cages is free after paying a $50 fully refundable bond for the access card.
Cyclists interested in arranging a Parkiteer secure access card need to register with Bicycle Network Victoria by visiting www.parkiteer.com.au or phoning 1300 546 526.
