Specifying the right secure cycle storage solution for commercial and residential projects

Specifying the right secure cycle storage solution for commercial and residential projects

Secure cycle storage has become the ‘must have’ in the majority of new commercial and residential building projects in the UK, and there are calls for existing developments to have solutions retrofitted.

Prior to the coronavirus situation, cycling as a mode of transport for commuting and recreation had grown significantly. Incentives such as the successful Cycle to Work Scheme made it more accessible alongside growing numbers of cycle lanes and cycling friendly routes into and through many towns and cities.

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic created a perfect storm. People began taking up cycling as a recreation to help achieve exercise and to enjoy the outdoors, while restrictions on public transport made it a logical alternative as a mode of transport for commuting.

Lack of cycle storage is a major concern for cyclists

While cycling has grown phenomenally in the UK, with cycle shops running out of stock (192 per cent jump in bicycle sales), the infrastructure to support cyclists has not, with secure cycle storage being identified as one key area.

“Architects have been integrating cycle storage systems into residential and commercial properties for many years now.

“The pressure for such facilities is beginning to outweighs those of motorists for parking spaces, with local congestion charges and increased taxes making it a costly and difficult mode of transport in large urban areas,” said Robert Hawgood of Landmark Street Furniture, one of the UK’s leading designers and installers of street furniture and cycle storage solutions.

“With more people taking up cycling, there is growing pressure on landlords, developers, local authorities and town centre managers to retrofit such systems into buildings and facilities.

“The range of systems available makes this a relatively easy process.”

Landmark has introduced a range of cycle storage systems that can be integrated into existing premises and sites:

Cycle Stands

Cycle Racks

Cycle Shelters

Scooter Racks

So, where and how do these systems work best when architects and planners are considering such specifications:

Cycle Stands

Cycle stands are one of the most used bike storage systems in public areas. The simple design and easy installation make them a simple and versatile solution. They allow from one to several bikes to be locked on to them and are widely used in town centres and shopping areas, as well as residential developments.

Cycle Racks

Not too dissimilar to cycle stands, cycle racks are widely installed and retrofitted into streetscapes, indoor areas and locations where multiples of cycle storage is needed. From educational facilities, such as schools and colleges, to town centres, parks, office and commercial areas. More comprehensive racks provide vertical and two-tier storage, particularly useful where space is a premium.

They are also used within covered areas or specific rooms within buildings and complexes. This means they are more secure within a lockable structure. They are also integrated into cycle shelters.

Cycle Shelters

Cycle shelters are specified for new and existing projects. Mostly with covered awnings or providing an aesthetically pleasing street furniture solution, they are ideal for all commercial or residential environments, as well as being practical and easy to use by cyclists. Most cycle stands and racks can be integrated into them.

Scooter Racks

Scooter racks are becoming increasingly popular as the number of e-scooter users increases, as well as conventional ones. Capable of storing up to 20 devices, they can be easily retrofitted into architectural environments and existing cycle storage schemes.

“Cycle storage cannot only be retrofitted easily, it can be integrated into a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications,” said Mr Hawgood.

Permanent cycle storage solutions are needed

“With 20 per cent of British people saying they are considering commuting into work, but 22 per cent worried their bike will be stolen or damaged and 15 per cent concerned there is not enough cycle storage, the pressure is on private and public organisations to provide such systems for employees, customers and residents.

“With the coronavirus situation set to last for some time, the number of cyclists will continue to rise and so will the need for secure cycle storage.”

Landmark Street Furniture is one of the leading suppliers and installers of secure bike storage systems and street furniture in the UK, working with multi-national blue-chip companies through to small and medium-sized businesses, colleges and universities, shopping centres and the public sector.

Based at Caersws, Powys, in Mid Wales, it has customers throughout the UK and provides a one-stop shop for the planning, design and installation of products including access control, anti-skate studs, bollards, canopies and walkways, landscape structure and buildings, litter control and COVID-19 distancing products.

More details can be found at www.landmarkstreetfuriture.com