Cyclists in Taupō can now securely store and charge their bikes for free in the CBD, with the district becoming the latest to join a growing network of smart bike lockers being rolled out across New Zealand.
The first Locky Dock station, now operational outside the Taupō Customer and Visitor Information Centre on Tongariro Street, represents a significant milestone as the first installation of its kind in the Central Plateau region. Additional stations are planned for installation later this year.
Sarah Wraight, road safety coordinator at Taupō District Council, says the system is designed to be user-friendly. "You can download the app Bikeep on your phone, then you just pop your phone over the top of the screen on top, and then that will unlock the Lucky Dock," she explained. For those who prefer not to use smartphones, free access cards are available from the Taupō Customer and Visitor Information Centre.
The initiative comes through a partnership between Big Street Bikers, Mercury, and oOh! Media, bringing climate-positive infrastructure to the district at no cost to ratepayers. The stations are funded through digital advertising displayed on screens attached to each unit, which would typically cost around $26,000 without partnership support.
"We are excited for this opportunity to make it easier for locals and tourists alike to get around, lock up, charge, shop and eat," Wraight says. The facilities cater to all types of bicycles - including road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, and BMX bikes.
The location was strategically chosen for its proximity to key amenities. "We've got the iSite, the library, the Great Lake Centre, the museum, so people visiting there can know their bike will be locked securely," Wraight noted. The installation also provided an opportunity to improve safety in the area, with the council addressing issues with an existing path affected by tree roots during the installation process.
Born out of a passion for cycling and e-cycling, Big Street Bikers has been rolling out these stations across New Zealand, making it easier for cyclists to securely store their bikes without having to carry heavy locks. The Taupō installation marks another step in their mission to provide accessible, secure bike storage solutions nationwide.
