Bike parking facilities

Parking rails and mounted racks

An effective and low cost way to provide short to medium term parking and can be arranged to maximise bike storage in the available space. They can be installed in any number to meet the parking demand, with rails installed as clusters or groups spaced 1m apart. Be sure to allow space for people to move their bikes in and out.

A U-rail supports the entire bike, allows users to lock the bike frame and wheels. Each rail can support two bikes, with one on each side.

Recommended Locations

• University and TAFE campuses
• Shopping centres
• Swimming and recreation centres
• Business Districts
• Strip shopping centres

Bike cages or enclosures

Grouping parking rails within a restricted-access enclosure can provide a higher level of security. Enclosures include rooms, compounds and purpose built areas and can be fitted with a roof for added security and weather protection.

Recommended Locations

• Workplaces
• University and TAFE campuses and residences

Bike lockers

A safe option that restricts access to a single user. Although more expensive, they offer added security for people with expensive bikes and are effective for all day and overnight parking, particularly in public places where there is a high risk of theft and vandalism. Users can also store their cycling gear, helmet and clothes along with their bike.

Lockers can be assigned to single users for a period, or set up for casual users and members of the general public. They can be secured using a padlock or electronic access control.

Recommended Locations

• Sites where enclosures are not possible

Personal lockers

Lockers provide people with a place to store clothes and other personal belongings such as their helmet, cycling shoes, and toiletries. Using split or full-length lockers (rather than half-length ones) grants space for people to hang shirts or pants without creasing them.

When determining the number of lockers to be provided, consider what is needed for people involved in lunchtime or in-work exercise activities as well as cycle commuters.

Locker management

A good locker management system should be put in place so that they are used appropriately. This could mean requiring people to register for a locker and regular checks that lockers are being used. When people leave the organisation, clearing out the locker and advising the facilities manager should be on the exit checklist.

Changing facilities and showers

Adequate changing and showering facilities are a big incentive for people considering cycling to your organisation and demonstrate a serious commitment to promoting cycling. These facilities can also be used by people doing other types of physical activity during the day, such as lunchtime sports and exercise.

It may not always be possible for an existing site to add state-of-the-art facilities; however the provision of storage and lockers or negotiating with adjoining or nearby buildings to use their facilities may be an option.

In some organisation’s the nature of people’s work may require access to showers such as those involved in outdoor labour like council parks' crews. Factor this in when determining the number of showers and lockers to provide.

Privacy and security should be considered too, e.g. electronic card access. The condition of shower and change facilities is also important. Ensure that cleaners maintain them well.

Bike Repair Station

A bike repair station will complete your cycle facilities. It could include a floor pump, puncture repair kit, spare tubes and set of allen keys, spanners and screwdrivers. The kit could be stationed in the bike parking compound or staff who ride to work can borrow it from a nearby reception or service desk.

Pool  E-bikes

Many organisations provide pool bikes for staff to use for business trips, meetings and other work related travel. Booking of the bikes is usually administrated by customer services or administrators in the building, where staff sign in and out and pick up a helmet. The bikes should be kept in a secure bike store that is easy to access.

Watch our video all about how to create a buzz with a pool E-bike fleet..

Other facilities and equipment to consider

• Iron and ironing board and hairdryers - making a professional look easier for cycle commuters
• RCD power points and pneumatic switches - reducing safety concerns
• Places for people to dry wet towels and clothes, e.g. drying racks, a clothes line or drying cabinet.
• Sunscreen

End of trip facility guidelines

There are guidelines available for end-of-trip facilities at workplaces, including Cycling Aspects of Austroads Guides. These provide guidance in relation to the number of bike parking spaces and design features. Some local councils have end-of-trip facility requirements under their local planning schemes.

Summary table of requirements

The summary table below is based on Austroads and Bike Network Victoria guidelines. These requirements can be used to assess the adequacy of facilities at an existing organisation’s and can also provide specifications for new workplaces.

When applying them consider current and potential demand from staff / students and clients/visitors. The size and nature of the workplace will also shape what is needed (e.g. current participation, potential uptake, demand from staff involved in lunch time exercise or activities outside normal work hours, etc.)

Only minimum parking, shower and locker ratios are provided below. For an organisation that aims to be ‘bike friendly’ the minimum ratios may be inadequate.