Easy accessibility is a key for all Bicycle storage facilities. Cyclists should also be able to securely lock their bicycles without undue inconvenience and be confident that their bicycles are protected from intentional or accidental damage while being parked in the bicycle storage area.
In bicycle storage, due consideration should be given to the space that would be required for a rack full of bicycles and also the fact that cyclists require a sufficient pathway in and out of the parking area. Each parking space must be accessible without shifting another bicycle from the rack in bicycle storage. Hence, at least 2 feet by 6 feet for each bicycle parking space should be allowed for each parking space within the bicycle storage area. In order to provide sufficient room for maneuvering, the aisle should be at least 5 feet wide behind all bicycle parking within the bicycle storage area.
Staggered Bicycle racks would allow room for more bicycles to be parked in the same bicycle storage facility. However, installing bicycle racks too close to a wall or too close to one another could reduce the capacity of the number of Bicycles being parked in the bicycle storage area by as much as 90%. Another point to be kept in mind is that bicycle racks should never be installed too close to car parking. Motorists would very rarely leave sufficient room for bicycles to park and maneuver if bicycle storage/ parking is not sufficiently separated from the car parking area.
Covered Bicycle Parking
Since prolonged exposure to the elements can cause bicycles to perish during bicycle storage (i.e. exposure to rain can rust a Bicycle’s metal frame and components; exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can deteriorate a Bicycle’s soft seat and tires), cyclists would naturally look for weather protection. Designers of Bicycle racks should pay extra attention to providing a permanent cover which is designed to protect the bicycle from rainfall and be at least 7 feet above the ground.
A creative, low-cost way of providing shelter for bicycle storage is to make use of existing overhangs and awnings. In instances where these are not available, enclosed bicycle lockers would be the best alternative. However, partial cover or a cover that is too high would not be appropriate for protection against weather for the bicycles that are in bicycle storage. The cover should be intended to protect bicycles from the rain and the sun alike, and also protect the cyclist from rain when he is locking or unlocking the bicycle within the bicycle storage facility.
Shower and Changing Facilities
Bicycle commuters often arrive at the Bicycle storage facility wet, muddy or sweaty. In these instances, it would be apt to provide employees with a place within the bicycle storage area to shower, change and store their clothes. This facility would also be useful, and therefore attract, employees who exercise during breaks or may occasionally need to wash and change clothes for other reasons. The following methods would help employers provide such facilities for their staff without incurring huge costs:
- Designing a shower and clothes lockers into new or retrofitted buildings
- Since a single shower room and space to change clothes would only require a six by four foot space, a shower and clothes lockers could easily be added to existing restrooms
- Businesses that are located close to one another could establish shower and changing facilities that could be shared by employees at several buildings
- Employers could also arrange for employees to use shower and changing rooms located at nearby recreation centers or gyms.
Parking Signs
Parking signs for bicyclists keep them informed of the availability of the bicycle storage facility and also help cyclists find the parking area if it is not immediately visible. These signs also help direct long-term users to long-term parking areas and allow the short-term bicycle storage area to be used by bicyclists who would be parking their bike for less than two hours.
Ideally bicycle parking signs should be posted at the main building entrance, informing the exact location of the Bicycle storage area. This will help cyclists locate the bicycle storage or parking facility if it is not immediately visible from where they approach the building.
A standard bicycle parking sign made of high-quality material would suffice to announce the bicycle storage facility. One should avoid complicated signing schemes for the bicycle storage location since this would only discourage the cyclist.