When we talk about the impact and necessity of good bike storage, we often focus on offices and public buildings. They are great targets for improving bike infrastructure as they often house multiple businesses or services and employees who commute to work every day. However, the other side of this equation is the starting point of every worker’s journey – their home.
In today’s urban developments, an increasing number of homeowners and tenants are opting for bikes over cars. Their reasons vary, often being a mix of environmental, financial, and lifestyle concerns, which are all well addressed by cycling. For residential building managers, architects, and developers, supporting a strong cycling culture isn’t just a green initiative—it’s a way to boost end-users’ satisfaction, reduce car dependency, and future-proof a property.
So how can you actively encourage cycling among your residents? Below are practical, people-focused tips to help you establish a positive and inclusive bike culture in any residential setting.
Make Bike Storage Safe, Visible, and Easy to Use
Bike ownership is only as convenient as the parking. This is the foundation on which residents can step to even consider buying a bike. If the inconvenience is too great, such as having to find space to store your bike in an already small hallway or a communal area with no security, people may often think twice before committing to a bicycle, which might just give them another source of anxiety rather than improving their lives.
To pre-empt this situation from arising, you need to install secure, well-lit, and weather-protected cycle storage that residents can access quickly and confidently. If they have that, they would be much more likely to use it and to commit to cycling more in their daily lives.
As best practice, we would always advise that bike storage facilities are located close to entrances, exits or lifts. The space needs to be easily accessible and accommodating for wheeling a bike, so any location with stairs or tight corridors with turns is impractical and would be difficult to navigate a bike through.
To ensure residents feel secure about their bikes when stored, it is ideal to have indoor bike storage. Alternatively, consider a bike shelter with a covered design and optional extras, such as lockable gates.
To make the space easy to find and functional, it would also need to be clearly signposted. We have seen some great installations put in, only to be forgotten and underused due to their location being out of the way and a lack of proper signage. Also, ensure the place is well-lit, especially during the darker months – this will deter thieves and make people feel safer.
If you have space, consider also accommodating facilities for larger or non-standard bikes, such as e-bikes and cargo bikes.
Offer E-Bike Charging Stations
Speaking of electric bikes, we feel it’s necessary to dedicate a separate section to them. They are no longer entirely a novelty, and their sales are on the rise. This means that plans need to be made increasingly for the provision of dedicated parking spots for them, just like for regular bikes. Some models of bike racks and stands can easily accommodate electric bicycles, but considering how much more expensive they are, people might not feel at ease leaving them just anywhere. Another point worth noting is that e-bikes often require charging, and providing dedicated e-bike charging racks would appeal strongly to modern residents.
Safe, shared charging areas can help alleviate the storage anxiety associated with an expensive bike. It will also be a great selling point in marketing properties, as it will attract tenants who are eco-conscious.
Provide Maintenance Tools or Repair Stations
When discussing offices or large public buildings with clients, we always ensure that this point is covered. Providing tools and repair stations can be a lifesaver for many cyclists who often lack the necessary tools to make a quick fix before riding. Installing a small, shared bike repair stand or tool station in the cycle parking area shows that you’re supporting residents’ daily needs, and it would be appreciated by residents at home just as much as employees in offices.
Consider providing basics like Allen keys and tyre levers, as well as a pump and tyre pressure gauge. Alternatively, you can install one of our handy cycle maintenance stands, which include all the necessary tools for an emergency bike fix. We have outfitted it with a pump, Allen keys of 3, 4, and 5mm, a spanner, pliers, a screwdriver, a Philips screwdriver, and 2 levers to remove the wheel cover. All tools are attached to the stand via steel cables, providing extra security to prevent theft.
Organise Community Rides or Bike-to-Work Campaigns
The infrastructure, as we said, is the solid foundation on which a cycling community can step. Once residents know they have a safe, secure and convenient location where they can store bikes, they will be much more likely to cycle. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stop there. To maximise the chances of people actually taking up cycling and embracing it, you can engage tenants with more than just racks and shelters.
A great idea is to start organising events that build community and encourage riding. These can be social weekend bike rides – a great opportunity for residents to meet each other in a low-pressure environment while doing something healthy. This can also encourage people who aren’t very confident to cycle alone to do so in a safe way with a group. You can also organise challenges, such as who has cycled the most this month, and offer prizes and raffles for participants. All of this can help build a close-knit community and create a positive, cycle-friendly environment in your building that breaks down barriers for beginners.
Create an Information Hub or Digital Guide
To further help residents feel confident cycling, especially less experienced ones, you can also create a place – online or physically, where the bike storage is, that has some helpful resources. They can include things like local bike route maps, a list of nearby bike repair shops, advice on cycle safety, rules, beginner tips, and local council incentives. This can be displayed on a lobby noticeboard, in the tenant portal, or included in the welcome pack.
Whether you manage a small block of flats or design large-scale residential developments, cycling should be part of the everyday experience you offer residents. Promoting bike culture is about catering to residents’ needs and preferences, but it is also about creating a healthier, more connected and sustainable community. Residents who cycle more will enjoy the benefits of improved physical and mental health, save on transportation costs, and contribute to a greener environment. In turn, by combining infrastructure with thoughtful engagement and community building, you can benefit from lower car parking demand, stronger environmental credentials, and higher tenant satisfaction.