Knitted socks for Sheffield stands? We can do better

There is a brutal efficiency about the Sheffield stand – the steel hoop that has become the bread and butter of cycle racks – but surely it could be improved.

Legend has it that the racks were born in Sheffield after canny locals upcycled some old gas piping had to decide what to do with some old gas piping. While there is no doubt that the design is robust, it is hard on a bike’s paintwork and does nothing to prevent the bicycle slipping or falling.

Cyclists in Vancouver have addressed at least one of these problems by knitting ‘socks’ for their stands – a cheap, colourful and practical way of protecting bike frames from getting scratched left in place for the benefit of any passing cyclist.

Better provision for cyclists

Between 1930 and 1970 cycling was at the height of its popularity – at one point, there were 12 million cyclists compared with only one million car drivers.

Unfortunately, cycling was considered proletarian, and even strange, by policy makers. While cycling was not legislated against, it did not receive the support it deserved and was allowed to wither. The result was a lack of infrastructure of all types. Even the humble cycle stand might look entirely different. After all, if Apple was to transform a Sheffield rack, it’s a safe bet its ‘iStand' would be coated in rubber, and most likely incorporate an app-enabled lock for all to use.

There are design firms that are blazing trails in this area. Cyclehoop is a collective of designers and architects specialising in innovative cycle parking infrastructure. A good example of its work is the heavy duty public bicycle pump, which features a robust stainless steel handle and armoured air hose to withstand constant public use.

Protection while parked

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes theft of parts. If you have left your bike locked up at a cycle rack and your saddle, wheels or handlebars are pinched, we pay for replacements. Find out more about the comprehensive list of benefits we include as standard, or get an instant quote.

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