Innovative new BIKE-DROP concept to launch in London’s West End

This is the latest initiative in The Crown Estate’s Central London portfolio to help re-start and re-open the West End, in a safe and sustainable way.

The new concept will open its first DROPS, located at 61 Great Portland Street, a 1,545 sq ft space, and 56-60 Conduit Street, which spans 4,430 sq ft, both form part of the Regent Street portfolio.

The first location on Great Portland Street will be opening on 31 August, with Conduit Street to launch on 7 September. The Crown Estate is also in discussions with BIKE-DROP for further sites in the Central London portfolio.

BIKE-DROP launched in June this year, with the vision of redefining people’s journey’s to central London and making cycling part of our new daily routine. It will provide valet-style, conveniently located, safe and secure bike parking, and once the concept is developed more it will potentially include shower and changing facilities. Customers will be able to make a reservation by the day, week or month by selecting the pass that works best for them.

James Cooksey, Director of Central London at The Crown Estate, said: 

“This is one of many ways we’re working to deliver a safe and sustainable reopening of the West End, adapting our spaces to ensure we’re responding to customers and visitor’s changing needs.

“BIKE-DROP is a great new concept and will make a fantastic addition to the area, enabling many more of our shoppers, commuters, and residents, to take advantage of sustainable, covid-safe travel.”

Justin Lee, Founder of BIKE-DROP, said:

“Cycling into London is not new. The need however to find conveniently located, safe and secure bike parking, is a concept long overdue in our cities. Working with The Crown Estate we hope to prove this concept is viable and open multiple DROPS across London. In expanding BIKE-DROP our aim is to redefine the daily commute, a trip to the West End shopping, or for residents who simply do not have the space for their bicycle at home. Our focus in providing added value to cyclists truly enable BIKE-DROP to promote a new life style choice as we enter the new normal.”

 In addition to the BIKE-DROP launch, The Crown Estate has been working with partners including TfL, Westminster City Council, other landowners and local BIDs to introduce a range of measures to make it easier for our visitors to safely enjoy all the West End has to offer.

This has included introducing temporary traffic management arrangements, to enable safer cycle and pedestrian routes and create space for social distancing. On Regent Street, one lane in each direction has been closed to vehicles to create wider pedestrian footways while maintaining access to buildings and essential vehicle movements.