CYCLISTS can now park-up in state of the art cycle ‘sheds’ at stations in Waltham Forest.

Commuters doing part of their journey on two wheels can now use the community areas, opened as part of the mini Holland Programme.

A total of eight cycle sheds will be installed at stations across the borough by 2016, as part of the programme’s aims to make Waltham Forest more cycle and pedestrian-friendly.

The first have been installed at Walthamstow Central and Leytonstone stations

The sheds offer CCTV coverage, lighting and fob entry to ensure peace of mind and reduce the threat of bike theft.

“The Mini-Holland Programme is connecting Waltham Forest’s town centres and residential areas through new walking and cycling routes and improved links to public transport, connecting the borough to London and beyond in a sustainable way,” said Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest council.

“The new sheds will allow people who currently, or wish to cycle as part of their daily commute, to securely park their bicycle at stations across the borough.

“These fantastic cycle sheds make it easier for those making longer journeys, to incorporate cycling into their commute and not have to deal with the annoyance of driving-related issues such as parking and traffic.”

There is parking space to accommodate 80 bicycles at Walthamstow Central and 50 spaces at the Leytonstone site.

Registrations are now open with memberships costing £10 per person annually.

News cycle sheds will be open by 2016 in Chingford, Highams Park, Wood Street, St James Street, Blackhorse Road and Leyton.

The cycle sheds are part of a range of borough-wide facility improvements to help make cycling easier and safer.

Cycle lockers will be installed throughout residential streets making it easier to store bikes close to home and over a thousand cycle parking stands will be fitted at convenient locations.

For more information and to register visit www.enjoywalthamforest.co.uk/cycle-sheds