The firm set to bring the UK’s biggest electric bike sharing scheme to Dundee has promised a charging station will not impinge on a pub’s outdoor seating area.
BrewDog, on Panmure Street, started a petition over the weekend calling for Urban Foresight to rethink the location of one of their proposed charging points.
A planning application appears to show one of the four docking stations situated where BrewDog’s outdoor seating is.
The others hubs would be near Dundee Sheriff Court, Euclid Crescent and High Street, by City Square.
The planning applications are yet to be approved.
While stating they are favourable of the scheme in general, the craft beer chain launched an online petition calling for the hub to be housed elsewhere.
“We know you love the ability to enjoy our beers and drink outside,” a BrewDog spokesman.
“We love the idea of electric hire bikes in Dundee, but there’s many other more suitable locations, closer to the centre, that wouldn’t mean losing this important resource for anyone who wants to socialise in the sun.”
The petition received more than 500 signatures in two days.
However, Urban Foresight have given assurances that their plans will not affect the seating area.
A spokeswoman for the smart-city firm said that while she understands how BrewDog staff have come to their conclusion from viewing the maps, she made assurances there would be no clash.
She said: “The bikes were never going to be in the seating area of BrewDog, but we were seeking permission to put them in front of that area.
“We’re delighted to discuss options that work for BrewDog, their customers and everyone who will be using the electric bike sharing scheme.”
On the back of that pledge, BrewDog retail director James Brown said: “We were contacted by the agency who submitted the planning application and we had a positive discussion about amending the proposals.
“I’d like to thank our loyal community for their support.”
While Urban Foresight do not know yet exactly when the sharing scheme will be set up in Dundee, they expect delivery of the bikes soon.
The Urban Foresight spokeswoman added it would be the largest electric bike sharing scheme of its kind in the UK.
Initially, there will be 350 electric bikes deployed throughout the city.
Users will be able to register their account through an app or credit card. The bikes will only charge when in the public stations through specially designed docks, to deter thieves.
It follows news last week that Urban Foresight is to bring “pop-up” charging points for electric vehicles to Dundee. The chargers, which will resemble bollards, will sit under the pavement unless they are being used.
