Providing secure, well-designed cycle storage is becoming an increasingly important part of planning for workplaces, residential developments, education sites and commercial buildings alike. The usual challenge is one of balance – how to provide enough capacity without losing too much valuable space.
Our Two-Tier Bristol Cycle Shelter has been designed with that problem in mind. Combining a compact two-tier cycle rack system with a sturdy covered shelter, it provides storage for 20 bicycles within a footprint measuring 4,100mm long by 2,100mm wide. For projects where space is limited but cycling provision needs to be substantial, it offers a practical approach to getting more from the available area.
Making Better Use of Available Space
One of the main advantages of a two-tier cycle storage system is its ability to increase capacity without requiring a proportionate increase in floor area. The Bristol shelter houses 10 bicycles on the upper tier and 10 on the lower tier as standard. This, compared to a conventional rack, makes it suitable for locations where there may be limited space or just very high demand for cycle parking.
The two-tier arrangement also gives specifiers more flexibility when planning cycle parking at an early design stage. Instead of simply asking how many bikes need to be accommodated, the available area can be considered alongside access routes, pedestrian movement and the wider site layout.
Protection and Security
A cycle shelter needs to do more than provide somewhere to leave a bike. It should help protect stored bicycles from rain and other environmental exposure while remaining suitable for everyday use. It should also protect from vandalism and theft.
The Two-Tier Bristol Cycle Shelter comes as standard with a 3mm clear polycarbonate roof. The material provides a practical overhead barrier while retaining a relatively open appearance. Additional polycarbonate back and side panels can also be specified where greater protection is required. This is especially useful for sites which are going to be very exposed. The clear polycarbonate provides cover while maintaining visibility into and around the shelter.
In terms of security, the default model comes without gates, but optional swing or sliding gates with polycarbonate panels and a latch ready for a padlock can be specified. For projects where controlled access is a priority, or the area has high crime rates, this can be a very useful upgrade.
We also offer solar LED lighting as another add-on. For shelters that will be used early in the morning, during winter or after normal working hours, lighting can make the facility more practical and easier to use, but also make it feel more secure.
Additionally, the two-tier racks themselves are among the most secure on the market. They are made from high-quality materials which are hard to tamper with, and they offer multiple locking points, meaning users can chain both frame and wheels.
A Choice of Finishes
Appearance matters when cycle storage is being installed as part of a new development. A shelter that looks out of place can undermine an otherwise carefully considered external environment. The Two-Tier Bristol Cycle Shelter is available with a range of finish options, including powder coating in a selection of RAL colours.
A galvanised finish is also available, as is a combination of galvanising and powder coating. This allows the specification to balance appearance with the additional durability associated with galvanised steel.
The ability to select a specific RAL colour can also be useful for projects in which external furniture needs to coordinate with an established design palette. This could mean matching other street furniture, complementing a building’s architectural finish or producing a consistent visual identity across a wider development.
Built Around a Two-Tier Bike Rack
The shelter includes BDS Two-Tier Bike Racks integrated into the overall product rather than treated as a separate addition. For clients, that simplifies the process of specifying cycle storage. Rather than sourcing a shelter and trying to determine what rack will fit, the Bristol shelter has been developed around its two-tier storage system.
The standard configuration provides 20 bike spaces, while other sizes can be manufactured to order. This is particularly useful for larger projects or sites where the required cycle parking provision does not fit neatly into a standard shelter size.
Designed With Specifiers in Mind
For architects and contractors, the practical specification process is just as important as the finished product. We provide downloadable CAD files for the Two Tier Bristol Cycle Shelter, while its in-house design team can assist with architectural drawings. The company also states that DWG, PDF and Revit files can be provided for its products where available.
This support can reduce some of the uncertainty involved in incorporating cycle storage into a wider scheme. Dimensions, access requirements and shelter positioning can be considered earlier, rather than being left until the later stages of a project.
The standard 20-space shelter is 2,800mm high, 4,100mm long and 2,100mm wide. These dimensions should be reviewed alongside the proposed site conditions, access routes and any relevant project requirements before the product is finalised. Other sizes are available to order, providing an option for schemes with more specific spatial requirements.
Installation Options for Different Sites
Site conditions can vary considerably, which is why installation needs to be considered alongside the shelter specification. The Bristol shelter can be installed using fixing bolts or concreted into the ground. Telescopic feet allow for adjustment when positioning the shelter on site, which can be useful where the finished ground level is not perfectly uniform.
Where Could the Bristol Shelter Be Used?
The product is suited to a wide range of applications. Office developments can use it to support cycle-to-work initiatives and provide dedicated employee cycle parking. Residential schemes can incorporate it into communal external areas, giving residents a more suitable alternative to leaving bicycles in entrances, corridors or individual apartments. Schools, colleges and other educational sites can also benefit from the high capacity offered by the two-tier arrangement. Commercial developments and end-of-trip facilities are another natural application, particularly where the number of cyclists needs to be accommodated within a defined area.
The right configuration will depend on the project. A relatively open shelter may be appropriate for one location, while another site may benefit from side and back panels, gates, lighting or a different finish.
A Flexible Approach to Cycle Storage
The strongest selling point of the Two Tier Bristol Cycle Shelter is not simply its capacity. It is the combination of capacity, shelter protection and specification flexibility in one system.
For clients, this means a cycle storage solution that can be adapted around the site rather than forcing the site to accommodate a rigid product. For specifiers, the availability of CAD information, configurable finishes, panel options and different installation approaches makes it easier to integrate the shelter into a wider project.
With a standard capacity of 20 bicycles, a compact footprint and options for custom sizing, the Two-Tier Bristol Cycle Shelter is worth considering wherever efficient cycle parking is a priority. Its combination of two-tier storage and weather protection makes it especially relevant to developments where space needs to be used carefully while still providing a proper facility for people who cycle.