Designing a bike parking facility is a challenge. Your space needs to be functional, secure, and convenient, and that requires careful consideration of various factors. Why is this so important to get right? Because a well-planned facility can encourage more people to cycle, support sustainability goals, and enhance the overall user experience. Whether you’re designing for a business, a residential complex, or a public space, incorporating the right elements ensures your bike parking facility meets the needs of all users.
To assist with your planning and execution, here are several key tips and best practices for designing an effective bike parking facility.
Assess Space and Capacity Needs
The first step in designing anything should be assessment. To ensure a successful bike parking facility, begin by carefully considering a few key questions throughout the design and installation process.
How much space do I have? A bike parking space is primarily determined by the area that can be dedicated to it. This is the deciding factor on how many racks you can install and if you can include any extra amenities. Also, depending on where the space is located, it will determine the type of product you will focus on, like just racks in an underground car park or racks coupled with a shelter if it’s outdoors.
Who is going to use the space? The short answer is, of course, obvious – cyclists. However, here you need to consider how many cyclists are likely to use it and what capacity you need to provision for. Consider both current and future demand to avoid overcrowding or underutilisation. Urban areas or office spaces with limited real estate might benefit from space-efficient solutions such as two-tier bike racks, which can double the number of bikes stored within the same footprint.
When answering the “who,” you also need to think about the type of bikes they would ride – BMX, cargo, electric, and so on. You should also consider children or disabled users who might use the racks. If space allows, consider mixing different types of bike racks, such as single-tier racks (e.g., simple Sheffield racks), two-tier racks, or wall-mounted racks, for flexibility. This diversity accommodates varying bike sizes and user preferences.
What would cyclists want to see there? When designing facilities for a group of users, the best approach is to put yourself in their shoes. Would cyclists be happy to have a locker to leave their gear in or a shower to use before heading into the office? Would they benefit from a repair station or a wash station? These will be the add-ons that truly define your space as great. However, as we said at the start, this will, to a large degree, depend on how much space you have and whether you can accommodate such extras. Our recommendation is always to include as many facilities as possible, if space allows.
Prioritise Accessibility
A well-used bike facility is one that is well-designed, but crucially, also accessible. Accessibility is critical for making your bike parking facility welcoming to a wide range of users. To achieve the desired effect, ensure the entire area is to get to. What does this mean? It means, preferably, ground floor or, at a minimum, no stairs; the addition of ramps, sloped access points, or large enough elevators; or, if you don’t have a choice about which floor bike parking is located on, a large enough elevator.
The racks themselves should also be easy to access, with clear, unobstructed pathways leading to them. Cyclists should be able to maneuver their bikes in and out of the parking area without difficulty. Avoid placing racks too close together, as this can make it difficult to park or retrieve bikes, especially for users with larger models such as e-bikes or cargo bikes.
If your facility will serve a large number of people, consider installing wider parking spaces or separate areas for different types of bikes to improve accessibility.
Ensure Security
At the end of the day, the most basic need for bike storage spaces is to securely house bikes. Security is a top concern for cyclists, so providing a facility that reduces the risk of theft is key to increasing usage. Install bike racks that secure both the frame and wheels, as this makes it harder for thieves to steal bikes. Opt for heavy-duty racks made from materials like galvanised steel, which are resistant to cutting and tampering.
For added protection, locate the bike parking facility in a visible area with plenty of foot traffic. To deter criminals even further, consider installing surveillance cameras, motion-sensor lighting, or even employing security personnel. Additionally, consider access-controlled facilities, where only authorised users, such as employees or residents, can park their bikes.
Incorporate Weather Protection
If your bike parking facilities are outdoors, protection from the elements is crucial. Installing shelters or canopies over the bike parking area helps shield bikes and cyclists from rain, snow, and UV rays. These shelters can range from simple coverings to fully enclosed areas, depending on the available space and budget.
For larger facilities or in regions with severe weather, consider creating enclosed bike parking areas for added protection and security. Adding features such as covered walkways or nearby seating areas can also enhance the user experience, particularly in wet or windy conditions.
Plan for Convenience and User Comfort
Convenience plays a significant role in encouraging cyclists to use a facility. Place the bike parking area as close as possible to building entrances or other key destinations. Cyclists are more likely to use the parking facility if it is conveniently located and easy to find.
Another side of the convenience and comfort is the inclusion of additional amenities. When designing cycle facilities, it’s important to consider the full journey employees make from arriving on site to entering the office. The experience should be smooth, comfortable, and stress-free. To achieve that, a well-planned end-of-trip area is essential. Like we mentioned a few paragraphs earlier, if you have the space (and budget, of course), including extras is always the best way to enhance comfort and improve the usability of any bike parking facility.
These should include showers and changing facilities that cater to all genders and accessibility needs, helping to remove common barriers to cycling, such as arriving sweaty or uncomfortable. To go alongside, well-equipped changing areas with good ventilation, heating, and practical amenities are also a must.
Lockers and drying facilities further enhance the usability and appeal of cycling to work. Adequate, secure, and ventilated lockers allow employees to store clothing and equipment conveniently, with a suggested provision of 1.2 lockers per cycle space and enough height for hanging clothes. Adding drying facilities—such as racks or a dedicated heated, ventilated room—ensures the facilities remain practical in all weather conditions. Together, these features create a premium, inclusive, and reliable cycling experience that encourages more employees to choose active travel.
Designing a bike parking facility that meets users’ needs means balancing space, security, accessibility, and convenience. Regardless of site size, considering these elements creates a facility that encourages cycling and supports a greener community. With good design, bike parking can become integral, enhancing the user experience and your organisation’s reputation as a bike-friendly, environmentally conscious organisation.