Sainsbury’s has refused a request from cycling shoppers for more cycle parking facilities at its store on Avebury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes.
The idea was proposed six months ago by campaign group Cycling CitizensMK, whose members are shoppers at Sainsbury’s. The campaigners wrote a letter, had a meeting with the duty manager, then emailed the store manager who said it couldn’t be done. “It’s a great disappointment they’ve said no,” said Hazel Dean, one of the campaigners. “All we asked for was support for shoppers who want to be more environmentally friendly and get healthier in the process.”
Sainsbury’s do offer multiple dedicated cycle racks located in the car park underneath the travellator in their Milton Keynes central store, but campaigners have claimed it is not easy to access. “There’s a road railing I can chain my bike to near the entrance, but sometimes it’s filled with other bikes,” said regular shopper Mick Toms.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told MKFM, “Our stores receive lots of requests for support from communities we serve, and we help in a range of ways, including our food donation partnerships. Unfortunately, due to the high volume we receive, it is not always possible to accommodate them all.” They continued, “We’re sorry for any disappointment this particular decision may have caused and will keep this feedback in mind in case it’s something we may be able to help with in the future.”
