Here’s How to Choose the Right Bike Storage for You
Planning a new development comes with big decisions. One of those big decisions is bike storage. In the UK, all new developments (residential and commercial) require a certain number of bike spaces per person. With a huge boom in cycling and so many options on offer, it can be overwhelming to decide what to go for. Whether it’s our Two-Tier Rack, a bespoke Premium Amazon Enclosure or our modern and user-friendly Camden Lockers to promote your End of Trip facilities, we’re here to help make the process easier.
Here’s a quick checklist of everything to consider when choosing your bike storage and End of Trip Facilities.
Assess the Space First
First things first, assess the space according to the site layout. Mapping out how much space is available will determine what configuration works best for your development. For example, you might be working with a small indoor space but need to maximise capacity. Our Premium Vertical Bike Rack and Premium Solo Vertical Bike Rack are both robust, space-saving indoor options with a stylish, sleek finish.
Alternatively, you may have ample outdoor space to utilise, so our Dartmoor Sedum Roof Shelter might be the perfect fit. Need something custom-made? Many of our bike storage options can be made bespoke for your space…
Other considerations:
- The number of bike spaces required
- Obstructions – make sure your bike facilities are away from roads, paths or any communal areas
- Council & planning regulations
- Security requirements – does your bike storage need secure access gates?
- Budget
- Visibility and accessibility – choose a well-lit space that’s easy to access at all times of day
- Ground conditions – make sure the ground is fit for installation
Our in-house technical team is on hand to provide support with detailed advice, bespoke drawings, and on-site surveys.
Council Considerations
Many external cycle stores negate the need for planning permission since they are classed as ‘temporary’ structures. Check in with your local council, just to be sure your plans are compliant with council regulations. This includes sustainability requirements, accessibility, security measures and more.
If you plan to build on protected land, such as conversion areas or government-owned public land, getting permission first is necessary.
At The Bike Storage Company, we work with your space to meet council specification regulations, and all our products are BREEAM compliant to promote sustainable building practices. Just look at the attractive range of bike storage we designed and installed for the prestigious Prince of Wales Drive development in Battersea.
Tailoring to your Target Market
Keep your end user in mind when choosing bike storage. Are they commuters who would use End of Trip facilities like our Westminster clothing lockers?
If so, providing a space for workers to change clothes, shower and store belongings like helmets before heading to their desk promotes a flexible and energising work culture. You’re supporting the environment as well as the health and well-being of employees.
On the other hand, maybe you’re targeting residents who would like their storage to be nicely tucked away, or one that enhances the aesthetics of the development? In that case, consider adding green touches to your bike storage, such as living green walls, sedum roofing or habitat panels, like our bespoke project in Nevern Square, London.
Knowing your target market helps. Try conducting user research to see what similar groups love to see from bike storage.
Security Considerations
Bikes are precious to their owners. Therefore, you can safely assume people want top security for their two wheels. But just how much security is enough? That depends on a few factors, and this varies for each development.
Consider things like:
- Location and population – is it a major city that requires higher security standards?
- Indoor versus outdoor – how exposed is the facility?
- Crime rates – research crime in the local area
- Accessibility – how easy is the development to access?
Whether you need high security bike facilities with gated CCTV access or simpler yet secure solutions, we can help. One of our highest security options is our Carlton High Security Shelter.
To protect against theft and vandalism, we offer a wide range of locking options, from mechanical push-button codelocks to ultra-secure FOB access majlock systems.
Need advice? Reach out to our helpful team, and they can recommend the best security solution based on your needs.
Protecting the Planet
More city dwellers are opting for greener commutes. Bike facilities that match their methods and lifestyle will encourage this further.
If sustainability is at the heart of your development, consider green bike storage solutions like our environmentally friendly Premium Amazon Eco Cycle Shelter. It’s modern, super secure, and made from FSC-certified timber.
Go further with biodiverse add-ons to invite nature into your space and support the ecosystem. Read all about the Role of Bike Storage in Sustainable Urban Developments.
We’re proud that our products are all Made in Britain, ensuring best-in-class quality while significantly lowering our carbon footprint. Not only is cycling better for the environment, but it makes journeys faster and more enjoyable, contributing to happier and greener cities. Make the facilities something cyclists want to use, not just need to.
Future Proofing
In an ever-changing global landscape, it’s wise to choose bike storage that can stand the test of time. We don’t only mean robust, high-quality and stylish (ours are all those things too), but also preparing for what the future holds.
Like the rise in electric bikes. With cities like London working towards net zero carbon by 2030, future-proofing includes providing charging points for e-bikes in End of Trip facilities. That’s why we offer EV charging solutions with our bike storage products.
Want to know more about how we future-proof bike storage? Reach out to us for expert advice, and we can tailor a solution to your needs and your budget.
Summary
In a nutshell, here are the steps to choosing the right bike storage for your development:
- Assess the available space and think about what type of bike storage suits the layout best
- Know the number of spaces required and check local council regulations
- Consider your target market and end-user needs
- Balance security needs with accessibility and cost
- Choose green and sustainable options that align with your development’s ethos
- Plan for future needs, including e-bike charging and expansion capabilities
If you want to make bike storage one less worry in your development, get in touch with The Bike Storage Company. We will make the process easy and help you design and install bike storage that works.
