The first of 100 new cycle hangars have hit the streets.

A total of 20 are being placed across Brighton and Hove to provide secure storage for people cycling regularly for work, exercise or leisure over the next two weeks as part of a phased roll out.

Each hangar is approximately the size of one car parking space and can hold up to six cycles. They can be reconfigured to include adapted cycles and cargo bikes.

The first 20 are being installed in: Stanford Avenue; King’s Road (two); Cleveland Road (two); Scotland Street; Queens Park Road (two); Hamilton Road; Park Crescent Terrace; Hythe Road (three); Belgrave Street; Coventry Street (two); Cobden Road (two); Whichelo Place; St Catherine’s Terrace.

Hangar locations have been selected based on thousands of responses received during an online survey last year.

Suggested roads were then scored on a matrix which considered availability of current storage, propensity to cycle and levels of cycle theft in the area.

Money was allocated for buying, installing, managing and maintaining the hangars at a full council meeting in February last year.

Co-chairman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee Steve Davis and councillor Jamie Lloyd visited Queen’s Park Road to see where one of the first hangars.

Councillor Davis said: “This really is a game-changer for a lot of people who want to cycle more but simply can’t because they don’t have the storage space.

“We saw from the response to our survey last year that residents really want them.

“With so many people living in shared accommodation, flats or houses where storage space is at a premium, it can be difficult for many people to find space to safely store their bikes.”

“We know that if we want more people to travel actively and sustainably, we have to give them the right infrastructure.

“Cycle hangars are a really good incentive for people to travel more by bike because it means they don’t have to have it sitting in their hallway or carry it up several flights of steps.”

Anyone can apply for a space in a hangar as long as you live close to one and there is availability.

Each space will cost about £1 per week with the opportunity to pay for spaces for three, six or 12 months at a time.

Residents were asked to complete a survey last year, asking if they would be interested in having a cycle hangar on their street.

Those who completed it and left an email address have been offered the chance to apply for a space on a first come/first served basis. These have now been allocated by operator Falco.

Residents who wish to apply for a space can email rentals@falco.co.uk or call 01538 380080.