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Quality, Accessibility and Security

A usable breakdown of the new Bicycle Association UK Standards

Cycling offers a myriad of environmental, community and physical benefits and facilitating its growth is a fundamental tenet of the UK’s transport policy.

The Bicycle Association and Cycle Rail Working Group have published new UK quality and security standards to ensure that public cycle parking facilities are designed to provide convenient and secure bike parking that matches growing demand. This post clearly outlines the requirements for delivering these quality and security standards.

You can also access our Product Download Library, which features a selection of CAD drawings for creating bike storage area layouts.

Five Key Objectives of the Standards

  • Easy to use, including making considerations for people with disabilities and adapted cycles
  • Long-lasting with corrosion resistance
  • Compliant with UK legal requirements
  • Safe for both users and their bikes
  • Able to be locked securely
Premium Amazon Eco Shelter installed outside a commercial property in front of some trees on a sunny blue sky day

Design Principals

The fundamental consideration is to ensure that your design is inclusive and accessible for all users.

The design should follow the principles of ‘safety, directness, comfort, coherence and attractiveness’ while allowing cyclists and their bikes to come in “all shapes and sizes”.

Early stakeholder engagement activities should be undertaken to accommodate all individuals, and sloped areas should be proactively avoided if possible.

It is not expected that every piece of bike storage will be able to accommodate larger bikes, but consideration should also be made for larger pedal-operated vehicles.

Acceptable Designs

Whilst the standards go into great detail regarding the acceptable designs that should be used to comply with the standards for public cycle parking, the good news is that we are primed to provide you with all the key products to take the hassle out of compliance. 

Check out our range of several compliant designs: 

Find our drawings and specification sheets via our Product Downloads Library.

Parking Location

Bike parking zones should be positioned as close as possible to the ‘final destination’ and be easily identifiable for users. For security reasons, parking should ideally be overlooked by nearby buildings, co-located with other activities, and not hidden by walls, embankments, or other obstructions. CCTV should also cover it in a well-lit location.

Site Layout

Whilst the standards go into great detail regarding the acceptable designs that should be used to comply with the standards for public cycle parking, the good news is that we are primed to provide you with all the essential products to take the hassle out of compliance.

To enable a smoothly operating facility, it is critical to establish a layout that allows bicycles to manoeuvre easily; these guidelines also include accounting for larger-sized bikes.

It is also essential to factor in the height of the space in which your storage area is located and any slopes you may have—this is particularly pertinent if you install two-tier racks, as they may limit accessibility. Adequate signage should also be incorporated into the installation to assist users in finding the facilities.

The guide lists the following as being the critical minimal dimensions for your store:

  • 3000mm width for two-way cycle track access outside and inside cycle parking facility
  • 2000mm minimum aisle width for access on foot within parking area 
  • 2500mm aisle width for two-tier racks arranged perpendicular to the aisle
  • 1000m between Sheffield stands
  • 600mm from end of a Sheffield stand to any wall
  • 750m x 2000mm footprint for individual horizontal cycle lockers
  • 2000mm clear space in front of stands, lockers etc to enable cycle to be positioned
  • 2700mm ceiling height for two-tier racks
  • Maximum gradient of 5% on access tracks/paths (excluding ramps within a cycle parking facility)

It also provides the following key components; that all cycle storage should include:

  • Step free access to facilities
  • Gas assisted Two Tier Racks where possible
  • Early consultation with all affected parties
  • Allowance for adapted, cargo and E-Cycles
  • Equipment that is designed to last 10 years (our 10-year manufacturing defects warrantee has you covered)

Public Cycle Parking Facilities Quick Test Checklist

Security and Design

1. Wheel and Frame Securing 

  • Does the design enable the wheels and the frame of a standard cycle to be secured using no more than two locks?

2. Support for Standard Bicycle 

  • Does the equipment support a standard bicycle that remains upright without a kickstand or something similar?

3. Compliance with Security Standards

  • Does the equipment pass independent testing to comply with Secured by Design Level 1 or Level 2?

User Convenience

4. Ease of Lifting

  • Does the equipment enable the user to lift the cycle no higher than 50cm unaided to get the front or rear wheel or the whole cycle into the equipment? 

5. Force Requirement  

  • Does the user need to apply less than 105 Newtons of force during the parking operation? (Assume cycle weight of 15 kg)

Durability and Safety

6. Suitability for Heavier Cycles 

  • Is the equipment suitable for safe use with a heavier cycle (up to 25 kg)? 

7. Protection Against Damage 

  • Can the equipment be routinely used without damaging a cycle by scratching or putting force onto a mudguard or components? 

8. Sharp Edges Protection

  • Are any sharp edges, corners or clamps that could potentially injure people or damage cycles protected? 

9. Secure Fastenings

  • Are the fastenings of secure design (i.e., not easily removed with handheld Allen keys, spanners, torx or screwdrivers)

Alongside our Product Downloadable Files for creating plans, we also offer layout design services so that our experts can help you create a space up to standard. Get in touch to learn more.

Cycling continues to grow in popularity and importance as a mode of transport within the UK, and both public and private spaces must be best positioned to facilitate its growth. By following the guidance provided by the Bicycle Association, you can create long-lasting cycle storage solutions that are safe, secure, and easy to use.

Discover Our Product Download Library

Unlock the full potential of your bike infrastructure projects with our comprehensive collection of resources. From DWG CAD Blocks to detailed PDF Specification Sheets and CAD Models, our library equips you with everything you need for seamless planning and execution. Whether you’re designing bike racks,
stands, shelters, or beyond, our diverse range of assets ensures you have the tools to bring your vision to life. 

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We hope this general guide has given you helpful insight into the requirements for meeting the UK bike parking quality and security standards.
You can download the full version of the standards here.

As expert suppliers and installers of cycle storage, we have everything you need to take the hassle out of creating a high-quality bike parking area that meets the standards set out by the Bicycle Association.

Contact Us Today!

Google reviews

Lynn Digby
March 26, 2020

From my very first enquiry, Jessica and her colleagues were patient with my many questions, pr ompt at responding, flexible in difficult times arranging the install, and the two installers were smart, polite, tidy and informative - I just feel sorry we could only fit an 8 cycle shelter - they deserve to have much more business from us! Thank you all.

Niall Martin
January 1, 2021

I bought a vertical bike storage unit for my cupboard. It's easy to install and has freed up a lot of space in the cupboard! I would highly recommend.

Ninya Tudor
January 27, 2022

I bought 5 of the vertical bike racks and they are exactly what I needed. We built a shed to s tore the bikes and the company was really helpful when I asked for dimensions and suggested distances between racks etc. One thing to note is that if a bike has a front mud guard it may not fit - we have had to remove it from my daughter's bike. Otherwise great product and good customer service.

M M
February 3, 2021

Needed a bike stand for my garden, this place couldn't be beaten on price and quality. Cheers< br />

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