Smart cycle lockers are the way to store your bike securely at Metro and bus stations across Tyne and Wear.
What are smart cycle lockers?
Smart cycle lockers can be used to store bikes in, and can only be opened and closed using a smartcard that has been activated by us. Both using a smart locker and getting your smartcard activated is free. Each cycle locker can be used by anyone with an activated smartcard, on a first come, first served basis.
Where are smart cycle lockers?
Smart cycle lockers are located at the following Metro stations and interchanges:
- Callerton Parkway
- Chichester
- Cullercoats
- East Boldon
- Felling
- Four Lane Ends
- Gateshead
- Hebburn
- Jarrow
- Jesmond
- Kingston Park
- Longbenton
- Monkseaton (out of use 22 May until November 2023)
- Northumberland Park
- Regent Centre
- South Hylton
- South Shields
- Wallsend
- West Jesmond
- West Monkseaton
- Whitley Bay (out of service 12 June 2023 until spring 2025)
To see the numbers of lockers at each station on a map click here or go to the bottom of this page to see them in a table.
Please note that some smart cycle lockers might be out of use, in addition to those that are already occupied, at the time of your visit. Cycle racks and cycle pods are also available at all stations with cycle lockers.
Why do I need to use a smartcard?
It’s what is used to open and close the locker door. You can use a standard, corporate, Pay As You Go or Under 16 Pop card, or a Concessionary Travel pass. We’ll need to activate your smartcard, so that the readers on the cycle lockers know that you’re entitled to use them.
Where can I activate my smartcard?
You can activate your smartcard at the Control Centre Reception at South Gosforth Metro station. Please contact Customer Relations to arrange an appointment - call us on 0191 20 20 747 or email customerrelations@nexus.org.uk.
Appointments can only be made Monday to Fridays between 9.00am and 4.00pm.
What if I don’t already have a smartcard?
Simply apply for a Pop card here, then contact Customer Relations to let them know that you’d like it to be activated.
How do I use a smart cycle locker?
- To leave your bike in a locker, find a locker with a green light on, and touch your smartcard onto the reader.
- The amber light on the reader will flash and a short beep will indicate that your card is valid. The locker door will then open.
- Put your bike into the locker, with its wheels in the wheel trough.
- Close the door and touch your smartcard onto the reader again. The door will lock and the red light will come on.
- Make a note of the locker number.
- To release your bike from the locker, simply touch your smartcard onto the reader of the locker with your bike inside, and the door will open.
What happens if I don’t touch my smartcard on to the reader after I’ve put my bike inside the locker?
A red light will flash for up to a minute if you haven’t touched your smartcard on to the reader to lock the door. After this time, the door will lock.
What should I do if I didn’t touch my smartcard onto the reader before it stopped flashing?
The door will lock, securing your bike inside. As you have not locked the door using your smartcard, you cannot use it to open the locker. You will need to call Customer Relations on 0191 20 20 747 to let them know that your bike is locked inside a locker. They will notify Metro staff who will contact you to arrange a date and time to release your bike (upon proof of identification). Please note that this meeting might not be on the same day that you contacted Nexus.
What should I do if a long beep sounded when I tried to use a locker, or no lights flashed at all?
This means that there may be a problem with your smartcard - call Customer Relations on 0191 20 20 747. They’ll investigate the problem - please don’t try to use the cycle lockers again until the issue has been resolved.
What should I do if I have any other problems with a locker?
Contact Customer Relations on 0191 20 20 747. If the problem is that the locker door won’t open and your bike is inside, they will notify Metro staff who will contact you to arrange a date and time to release your bike (upon proof of identification).
Can I use my smartcard to allow my friend to use a locker at the same time as I’m using one?
No, you can only use one locker at a time with each smartcard.
What if I lose my smartcard?
When you apply for your replacement card, contact Customer Relations to let them know that you’d like it activated.
I’d like to register more than one bike.
Just contact Customer Relations to give the details of any other bikes you have.
What's the maximum size a bike can be?
Bikes must be under 1720mm to fit into a smart cycle locker.
Please note that bicycles are left at your own risk. Nexus accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage.
If you’ve got any queries:
- Go to nexus.org.uk/cycle
- Ask staff at Metro stations
- Get in touch via nexus.org.uk/contactus
- Call Customer Relations on 0191 20 20 747 - open from 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday
- Use the Metro station Help Point when Customer Relations is closed.