Hangars are returning to Barking where the aviation pioneer Frederick Handley Page once did test flights in the early 20th century - but these will be to store bikes.
They are being installed by Barking and Dagenham Council to encourage more commuter cycling.
“These make it easier to store bicycles securely,” Cllr Syed Ghani said. “We’re asking people for the best locations.”
The council is wondering where to install the hangars and is running online consultations until July 31, on its “oneboroughvoice.lbbd” website.
Handley Page opened Britain’s first aircraft factory at Creekmouth in June 1909, on land that later became Barking Power Station where the Barking Riverside development is today.
He leased a shed and marshland off River Road, then bought three sheds from the Royal Aeronautical Society at Dagenham Dock to test his flying machines — all fitted ironically with bike wheels.
Now things have turned full circle with the new cycle hangars.
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