Bike Parking – Why your workplace needs it

Call it the Bradley Wiggins effect; increased levels of congestion; or a greater focus on personal health and well-being. Whatever the reason – cycling has been on the up since 2008 (road traffic statistics).

Here’s why it matters to you and why you’d be crazy not to have bike parking at your work place.

 Why encourage staff to cycle to work?

• Cyclists will be absent less often as their general health is more robust.(1)
• Cycle workers are more punctual. (2)
• Cyclists are more alert and productive than their less active counterparts. (3)
• It can help reduce the demand for car parking spaces (no-one is going to be stealing yours!).
• Happy cyclists are happy workers and happy workers reduce staff turnover and recruitment costs. (4)
• It is a great way to enhance the company image.

Although you can’t get any of these benefits without some adequate bike parking. According to Sustran’s cycle to work survey cycle parking is the most important thing an employer can do to support cycling to work.

 Bike parking

Cyclists need to be able to securely lock their bike frame and wheels to an immovable object. But to encourage maximum usage of your new bike parking facilities you should also consider the following.

Planning your bike parking

• Security is the primary concern when a cyclist leaves their bike. With nearly 400,000 bicycles 400,000 bicycles being stolen each year it is no wonder! Cycle parking should be well lit and overlooked. CCTV cameras can also be considered.

• This is Britain – it rains a lot. Place cycle racks under an overhang of a building or purchase a purpose built cycle shelter

• Keep bicycle parking within 20-30 metres of the entrance. Just because someone likes to cycle doesn’t mean they like to walk.

• Think about how cyclists will enter your site. Make sure there are no difficult road conditions or other safety hazards.

 How much cycle parking should I provide?

As a rough guide provide 1 space for every cyclists plus another 50%.

Another good rule of thumb is to add another 20% when occupancy levels reach 80%. The over provision of parking attracts more cyclists.

Can I get help with the costs?

There are often opportunities to apply for funding from your local council. It is best to contact them directly to find out what support is currently available.

What type of Cycle Parking should I have?

The Basics

 

If you haven’t got any cycle parking at the moment – this is a great place to start. You can secure the cycle rack to either the ground or a wall. It is supplied full

y assembled – so is ready for you to use immediately.

The Classic

The Sheffield stand was invented after some imaginative cyclists found another use for left over gas pipes.

It is a simple yet effective design. Allowing cyclists to lock the bike frame, front and back wheels to the stand.

The Full Works

Undercover, secure and an attractive design. This shelter makes a clear statement about your commitment to encouraging cycling.

The additional security an enclosed shelter offers makes it ideal for commuters.

Key offers a range of cycle shelters, racks and stands.

 

Resources

1. Lechner, L. and de Vries, H. (1997) Effects of an Employee Fitness Program on Reduced Absenteeism, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2. National Cycling Forum (2001) Cycling Works! How employers can benefit from increased cycling, National Cycling Strategy
3. Health Education Authority (1993) Health promotion in the workplace: a summary, Health Education Authority, London
4. Tsai et al. (1987) Relationship of employee turnover to exercise adherence in a corporate fitness program, Journal of Occupational Medicine