How can London’s independent businesses drive decarbonisation and attract more customers in the process?

As cities become more crowded, cycling has emerged as one of the best ways to get around. But even though cycling is on the rise, we’re still facing a serious problem: there’s not enough safe, accessible bike parking. Investment in cycling infrastructure has been increasing, with schemes like the £300 million for walking, wheeling, and cycling in 2024, and TFL’s efforts to improve cycling in London. Yet, despite the investment, we’re still lacking a truly connected and secure network that makes cycling an easy choice, not just for commuting but for everyday activities like stopping for coffee, running errands, or grabbing lunch.

In London alone, there are 80,000 bikes stolen every year. The real kicker? A lot of people stop cycling because they fear their bike will get stolen. Some go as far as making their bikes look old or unattractive, hoping thieves will pass them by. Others lose bikes that have sentimental value, turning the experience of cycling into a stressful, anxiety-inducing ordeal. But the worst part? Cycling isn’t just about commuting in the quickest and cheapest way possible - it’s also about enjoying life. You want to ride your senses, to feel, smell and touch the neighborhoods you ride through. Many people want to cycle to a café and grab a coffee, but they face a tough decision: leave their bike unattended outside (where it can take just seconds for an opportunistic thief to strike), have someone stand guard while the other gets the coffee, or, most likely, skip that café altogether—causing the business to miss out on your custom.

For bikes to become the go to transport option on the weekend, it shouldn’t require two people just to stop for a coffee. One person gets the coffee, the other waits, and when they come together, they both have to eat with their bikes right next to them. It’s a constant worry. You can’t sit inside without stressing about whether your bike is still there, and your time away from your bike is limited to a few steps at most. What should be a relaxing break becomes a logistical nightmare.

So why is this still the reality for so many cyclists? The issue is that many places still don’t have secure, accessible bike parking. Without a safe spot to park your bike with peace of mind, it’s not just a nuisance - it becomes a barrier to cycling.

Here’s where Hudjo comes in. We’re working to solve this problem by creating a network of secure bike parking locations within a 3-minute walk from wherever you are. Whether you’re heading to the barber’s, popping to the shops with peace of mind, or just need somewhere to safely park while you run an errand, Hudjo has you covered.

We’ve partnered with nearly 40 businesses, 20 of them in London, but we’re still a long way from having bike parking everywhere cyclists need it. That’s where businesses like yours come in. By offering bike parking, you can help remove a major barrier to cycling in the city. With one-third of global emissions coming from transport, and the majority of those emissions coming from short trips (under 5 miles) in private cars, addressing this barrier is key to decarbonizing London.

If you’re a business owner with bike parking, why not open it up to the public through Hudjo? You can earn passive income and, more importantly, attract a steady flow of potential customers - especially if you’re in retail or hospitality. If you don’t yet have secure bike parking, get in touch, and we’ll help you add space-efficient storage solutions. It’s a simple way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability while attracting new customers.

So, why am I writing this? I’m reaching out to businesses to help solve this puzzle. At Hudjo, we believe every business can play a part in building a more connected, sustainable city. We’re inviting businesses to partner with us and offer secure bike parking to help make cycling a viable option for more people.

We also want to hear from cyclists - what’s it like when you have to stop during your ride? Do you have any bike parking horror stories or tips? How often do you worry about your bike being stolen while you’re out? Share your thoughts with us - we’re eager to hear your experiences and ideas.