As time goes on, there is an undeniable consensus that cities should aim to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote sustainable travel. One of the ways to promote more active ways of commuting and moving about is to increase the integration of bike infrastructure with public transportation – deliberately and carefully. Multimodal commuting, where cyclists can seamlessly transition between biking and public transport, encourages more people to cycle for part of their journey while reducing reliance on cars. Well-designed bike-and-ride facilities and bike-sharing programs are examples of successful integrations that make it easier for commuters to switch between cycling and public transit.
Here’s a look at best practices for integrating bike parking with public transportation to create a cohesive, efficient, and user-friendly system.
Locate Bike Parking Close to Transit Hubs
One of the most important principles of integrating bike parking with public transport is location. Any local council looking to improve its connectivity must assess the hot spots where cyclists would most benefit from safe parking. To encourage bike-and-ride commuting, bike parking should be located as close as possible to transit hubs, such as train stations, bus terminals, and metro stops. The convenience of quickly and easily transitioning from bike to train or bus is key to promoting multimodal commuting. Without it, cyclists would be very unlikely to consider combining transport modes.
For example, in 2023 alone, in Amsterdam, the Central Station’s bike parking facilities were expanded to include two new spots with space for 11,000 bikes. The new parking facilities were built to be connected seamlessly to both the metro station and the Central Station, giving cyclists a dry connection to both. Parking directly adjacent to train platforms or station entrances makes switching between transport modes easy and seamless. Installing clear signage directing cyclists to these facilities also improves accessibility.
Offer Ample, Safe and Secure Bike Parking
Providing secure, high-capacity bike parking at transportation hubs is essential to accommodate the growing number of multimodal commuters. Having enough spaces, or even more than enough, will encourage people to try it. However, nothing would be more annoying than showing up with a bike before work and being unable to park it anywhere safe because all the racks are taken. So, as cycling continues to rise in popularity, especially in urban areas, demand for safe bike storage will increase, which should be something local authorities plan for. Installing high-capacity solutions like two-tier bike racks can maximise space and serve more cyclists.
Security is equally critical. Cyclists are more likely to use bike parking facilities if they feel their bikes will be safe from theft or vandalism. Consider investing in CCTV surveillance, high-quality locks, and access-controlled areas where only authorised users can enter.
For example, in Tokyo, Japan, many train stations have fully automated underground bike parking systems that provide high capacity and enhanced security. This type of facility encourages more commuters to cycle, knowing their bikes are secure during their commute.
Another thing to include in planning is that cyclists are often deterred from riding if they know their bike will be exposed to the elements while parked. This is why, if you can’t provide indoor parking spaces, you should install covered or sheltered bike parking at transit hubs to help protect bikes from rain, snow, and UV rays. This will encourage more people to use the facilities regardless of the weather. Bike shelters with canopies over the bike-and-ride facilities ensure bikes stay dry and undamaged. These shelters also enhance the overall user experience, making public transportation hubs more cyclist-friendly.
Support Multimodal Commuting with Bike-and-Ride Facilities
Bike-and-ride facilities are dedicated spaces that allow commuters to safely park their bikes and continue their journey using public transport but typically include some meaningful additions.
There are some great examples from the Netherlands. To make bike facilities truly useful and eliminate other worries cyclists might have, like emergency repairs, many train stations offer indoor bike parking garages with thousands of spaces alongside additional services like bike repair stations, e-bike charging points, and even bike rental or sharing options, further supporting multimodal commuting. These facilities are growing in popularity, particularly in cities that are focused on reducing car usage.
Integrate Bike-Sharing Programs
One issue that often arises when combining multimodal transport is that commuters need transportation options to complete the final leg of their journey. Bike-sharing programs complement public transportation by offering a flexible solution for this “last mile” problem. By integrating bike-sharing stations with transit hubs, cities provide commuters with a sustainable alternative to cars for short distances and give travellers flexibility regardless of where their own bike is parked.
There are many good examples around the world, like Paris’s Vélib bike-sharing system. Docks are located near metro and bus stations, allowing commuters to grab a bike for the last mile of their journey or use it to get around the city. Similar systems, such as London’s Santander Cycles, have successfully promoted cycling as a key element of the transportation network.
Plan for Peak Usage and Future Growth
As bike-and-ride facilities gain popularity, planning for two things – rush hour and future growth is essential. Many transit hubs experience peak usage during rush hours, so providing enough bike parking to accommodate high traffic is crucial to not turn cyclists off. The other key element is considering modular or expandable designs for bike parking facilities so capacity can increase as demand grows.
Collaborate with Public Transit Authorities
Effective integration of bike parking with public transportation requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders. To make this a true success, you need to address and satisfy real needs, and input needs to come from a range of sources, such as city planners, public transit authorities, and private businesses. Transit authorities can play a key role in promoting bike-and-ride initiatives by incorporating bike-friendly policies and infrastructure improvements into their plans.
Integrating bike parking with public transportation is a powerful way to promote sustainable commuting and reduce car reliance. By providing secure, safe, and well-designed bike-and-ride facilities, cities can encourage more people to adopt cycling as part of their daily commute. Successful examples worldwide show that thoughtful bike parking and public transit integration can support a greener, more efficient transportation network.