IF bicycle theft, rain or helmet hair has put you off cycling into work, you’ll need to find some better excuses following the launch of Perth’s first bicycle storage and service centre in Queen Street this month.
The Xtreme Cycles facility will offer showers, secure bicycle storage, a laundry service and bike repairs for commuters for a fraction of the cost of car parking.
A long-held dream of Xtreme Cycles owner Steve Rukavina, the dedicated facility has become a reality after some retail space became available for rent on Queen Street, just up the road from the Xtreme Cycles shop.
“A lot of buildings do have facilities but a big concentration don’t have the complete package,” Mr Rukavina said.
“This something I’ve had in the pipeline since I got into the industry five years ago.”
Plans also are in train to include a simple café in the centre so cyclists can grab a cup of coffee before heading off to work.
This idea makes more sense considering the Il Tramezzino café on Queen Street scheduled to close ahead of redevelopment of the Hassels Building.
“It’ll be complete service – somewhere that you can have a coffee, cool down and get ready to go to work,” Mr Rukavina said.
“A lot of bikes are being stolen and the premises is manned from 7am to 7pm. And we guarantee we’ll replace it if it’s stolen.”
Apart from the revenue Xtreme Bicycles will raise from the storage and service centre, Mr Rukavina foresees spin off benefits for his business, with the service centre located in the same area.
Designed by architect Barry Baltinas the shower areas will include make-up areas and hair dryers and mirrors to combat helmet hair for men and women.
“A lot of people have jumped at the concept and the department of transport are very keen to come on board,” Mr Rukavina said.
Perth has the highest percentage of bike riders who commute.
“We’ve offered a special rate for corporations if they want to join in.”
With the cost of parking in town going up and the price of petrol still pretty steep,
$4 a day to store your bike and take a shower seems a good deal for everyone, especially the environment.
