Loss of bike park would 'devastate' community

The loss of a free bike park that means "everything in the world" to motorcyclists that meet there could destroy their community, riders fear.

The next to Norwich city centre market could be relocated as part of a multi‑million‑pound revamp of the area, the council has said.

People who use the parking spot warn that if it disappears, it would be "devastating" for riders and could also harm the market itself.

A spokesperson from Norwich City Council said they had "no plans" to close the bike park and a consultation into its future was to "gather views".

Evie Cowee-Smith, 17, uses the bike park and said you can meet riders of all different ages there.

"It's been here for years and it is... a social space for everyone," she said.

The motorcycle park could be changed as part of the wider market revamp.

During a recent consultation people were asked if they would like to see the bike park changed, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Bikers have started a petition to try to prevent any changes.

James Hampson uses the bike park at least once a week and said he had made lots of friends just by talking about their machines.

Describing it as a "community hub for all", he said: "I've spent a lot of time up here building these friendships and it's good for my mental health.

"It means everything in the world to me. You can tell it chokes me up. I'd be devastated if it went."

David Brown, 70, has been riding for more than 20 years and said the park was "very important".

If it were moved away from the centre of the town, it would affect trade on the market, he said.

He said the bike park had survived for 90 years and he would "rather keep this as a reality rather than a memory".

"It is part of Norwich and the history of Norwich," he said.

A council spokesperson said: "As part of a recent consultation on Norwich Market we asked the public for their views on the motorcycle parking adjacent to the market.

"The consultation did not include a proposal to close the motorcycle park. We have not published any plans for closure.

"The purpose of the consultation is simply to gather views from users and the wider community so we can understand how the space is used and begin to shape any ideas or proposals for the future."

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