The Alicante province municipality of Orihuela has launched the beginning of an electric bicycle parking network. The initial phase of the project has seen the installation of four specific stations equipped with closed, covered and secure modular parking spaces for electric bicycles. This sustainable initiative is part of the Tourism Sustainability Plan at Destination (PSTD) and is completely funded by Next Generation euro funds.
The Councillor for Tourism, Gonzalo Montoya, highlighted the aims of the project, stating that the main goal is to offer both visitors and residents new alternatives to travel around and enjoy the rich local heritage.
This new infrastructure is now fully operational and available to the public. It consolidates the municipality’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility, promoting ecotourism and reducing carbon emissions across the destination.
To encourage intermodality and connect the most significant sporting and educational centres in the city, the four modules have been placed at strategic, high-traffic locations. These are the Miguel Hernández Intermodal station, the El Palmeral Sports Centre, and the UMH university campuses in Desamparados and Salesas.
Each parking module has the capacity to house up to 10 bicycles in separate, completely watertight and opaque individual lockers. They are designed to guarantee maximum privacy and protection against vandalism. These individual lockers allow users to securely store their bicycle, helmet and personal belongings. Furthermore, each locker is equipped with an internal electrical charging point to power the vehicles while they are parked. The network of modules is entirely self-sufficient in terms of energy, thanks to photovoltaic solar panels built into the roof, and it features both interior and exterior LED lighting to facilitate safe use at night.
The system has been designed with universal accessibility and ease of use in mind. Managing and reserving the lockers is completely free for users. Access is managed through an intuitive mobile application (App) that allows users to check the real-time availability of free spaces at each location across the city, or via a physical numerical keypad built directly into the structure.
Additionally, a technical assistance and customer service line is available to provide an immediate resolution in the event of any error or malfunction.
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