While it is accepted that bicycle parking and bicycle storage allow cyclists easy means of providing security and convenience when leaving their bikes unattended, certain points need to be considered beforehand to ensure that the bike remains safe in the selected bicycle storage facility.
Although one might come across areas in which bicycles are regularly locked to trees and posts, effective bicycle storage calls for properly designed racks in appropriate locations, in order to relieve the minds of bicyclists that their Bicycles are safe in the bicycle storage area. The following factors should be considered before building a bicycle storage facility:

Type of Bike Rack
There are many varieties and types of bicycle racks and lockers available out there. While some types maybe suitable for certain situations of bicycle storage, others may not; some designs, on the other had may be unsuitable anywhere. Two broad categories of bicycle parking requirements can be identified as follows:
- Class II or short-term parking is required in instances where the Bicycle would be left unattended in bicycle storage for a short spell of time. Short-term bicycle storage calls for a high degree of convenience in terms of location, since the bicyclists would require the parking or bicycle storage facility to be as close to the destination as possible. It is desirable that even these short-term Bicycle parking areas be protected from weather.

- Class I or long-term parking is required when the bicycles would be left in the bicycle storage facility for longer spells. This calls for a high degree of security and weather protection as well as well-designed racks which will protect the bicycle storage areas with restricted access.

Location
A visible location is preferred for bicycle storage in both Class I & II types of parking. By being highly visible, the cyclist is able to spot the bicycle storage area as soon as he arrives from the street. A visible location for the bicycle storage area is also a deterrent for bicycle thieves.

Security
In order to avoid theft and vandalism during bicycle storage, bicycle racks and lockers should be well anchored to the ground. Another requirement to ensure the security of the bicycle and its user is adequate lighting and surveillance in the bicycle storage facility.

Protection against the elements
Although it is acceptable that certain short-term bicycle storage areas are unprotected since bicycle usage has a significant increase during fair weather, it is essential that at least a portion of the Bicycle storage facility provides shelter and protection from weather. The weather protection for bicycle storage could be an existing overhang or covered walkway, a weatherproof bicycle locker, a special covering or an indoor storage area.

Clearance
When placing racks for bicycle storage, it should be kept in mind that they should not block access to building entrances or fire hydrants. Adequate clearance should also be provided around the racks to afford cyclists sufficient room to maneuver their bicycles within the bicycle storage area; sufficient space would also minimize conflicts with pedestrians and parked cars.