Earlier this year, New World Ilam owner operator Marc Brokenshire came across ‘Locky Docks’ while visiting Rangiora and knew the free, secure parking and charging stations for bikes would make the perfect addition for the Ilam supermarket and community.
Marc wasted no time putting the ‘wheels in motion’, and in a matter of weeks, the Christchurch supermarket had become the first in the South Island to install the stylish Locky Docks, which offer free and secure bike lock stations for any bike, as well as the ability for those with e-bikes to recharge.
Being located near the University of Canterbury, academic staff and students are regular shoppers at New World Ilam often getting around by bike, and Marc says being able to provide a secure place for customers to lock and charge their bikes was a ‘no brainer’.
“I think they’re a great solution as you don’t have to have an electric bike to be able to use them, they work with any type of bike,” he says.
“The electric charging stations also work with other modes of transport too, with some electric scooters also able to use the charging ports.”
The Ilam supermarket has installed 20 stations spread across the front and back of the store and Marc says one of the positive outcomes of installing the stations has been the ability to offer team members a secure option to lock their own bikes while at work.
“One of the team has recently taken up cycling as a result of installing the stations and says it has proved to be a quicker way for her to commute,” he says.
New World has made a commitment to be ‘Here for New Zealand’, promising to support local communities to thrive and to be sustainability leaders.
Marc explains: “For me, having something where we can encourage more sustainable ways for people to get around is really what it’s all about, as well as providing an extra service for the community.”
