The cycling boom is hitting the headlines, with recent news articles declaring cyclists will soon outnumber drivers in the capital and 30% cycling growth in Scotland.
More people are embracing pedal power for commuting, leisure, and everything in between. While this is fantastic for our health and the environment, it presents a growing challenge: where do you park all these bikes once they reach their destination? Limited space, security concerns, and often haphazard bike parking provision can quickly turn a sustainable choice into a logistical nightmare, and worst-case scenario, prevent people from choosing to cycle.
How can designers, architects, facilities managers, and other professionals maximise cycle parking in limited spaces?
Enter the space saving solution: two tier cycle parking. By capitalising on vertical space, these systems offer an efficient, and increasingly secure answer to bike parking dilemmas. And when it comes to the best in class, the new SecurePro Two Tier stands head and shoulders above the rest, thanks in no small part to its Sold Secure Silver Cycle and Secured by Design accreditations.
The benefits of two tier cycle parking
Two tier cycle parking isn’t just about stacking bikes; it’s about optimising space, enhancing security, and promoting a more cycle-friendly environment.
Enhanced security
Security is paramount for bike owners. Cycle theft remains a major problem in the UK, with an estimated 320,000 bikes stolen every year according to the Met Police. People need assurance that their cycle will be where they parked it when they return to make their next journey. The SecurePro Two Tier Rack is designed for the UK market, with security at its heart. The enhanced locking bar with its additional security plate, has been designed to prevent traditional forms of attack. This robust design acts as a strong deterrent to opportunistic thieves and provides much-needed peace of mind for cyclists, knowing their bike is safely secured.
The SecurePro Two Tier Rack is the only two tier rack on the market with Sold Secure Silver accreditation for both levels. Providing the same security for bikes locked on both the bottom and top tiers.
Maximising space efficiency
The most obvious benefit of a two tier bike rack is its space-saving capability. By storing one bike above another, you effectively double your cycle parking capacity in the same footprint as traditional single level racks. Convenient, high quality cycle parking can also alleviate the strain on car parking spaces as would-be drivers make the switch to avoid the daily traffic jam. This is an absolute game-changer for:
- Workplaces and residential buildings: Offering ample, organised parking for employees and residents.
- Transport and mobility hubs: Encouraging seamless multimodal journeys.
- Universities and educational institutions: Catering to large student populations and encouraging cheap, healthy forms of travel.
- Leisure facilities: Enable members and visitors to choose economic, active travel.
- Beyond pure capacity, two tier racks bring order, contributing to a tidier and less cluttered appearance. This makes it easier for users to access their bikes and creates a sense of security and peace of mind.
Accessibility and ease of use
Installing gas spring assisted two tier bike racks means more people can use the top rack. With the rise in popularity of e-bikes, the added boost provided by the gas-assist helps users lift the channel and move the bike into place. The SecurePro Two Tier is designed to accommodate a wide variety of bike types, from lightweight road bikes to sturdy mountain bikes and e-bikes, ensuring ease of use for a range of cyclists.
Supporting sustainable mobility
Investing in high-quality two-tier cycle parking is a statement about your commitment to sustainability. By providing secure and accessible bike parking, you:
- Encourage more people to cycle, reducing reliance on cars and alleviating traffic congestion.
- Contribute to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality.
- Provide people with choice, opening up the option of cycling to more individuals.
- Enhance your organisation’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credentials, appealing to investors, environmentally conscious patrons and stakeholders.
- Can improve property aesthetics and value, making developments more attractive.
Cycle parking for everyone
While two tier racks are incredibly efficient, it’s essential to remember that a truly effective cycle parking strategy is a holistic one. This means understanding that not all bikes are created equal, and not all users have the same needs.
For example, two tier racks, may not always be suitable for:
- Cargo bikes and trikes: Their larger dimensions make them challenging to lift or fit into standard slots.
- Cycles with trailers: Requiring more ground-level space.
- Adapted cycles: Designed for users with specific mobility needs.
- Bikes with child seats: Which can alter their balance and size.
- Users who are less able to lift their bikes: Regardless of the assistance provided by gas springs.
Well-designed cycle parking should always include a mix of solutions. We recommend that at least 20% of your cycle parking capacity should be provided by Sheffield Stands or M Stands.
By integrating Sheffield or M Stands into your cycle parking provision, you ensure that it is truly inclusive and caters to the diverse and growing cycling community.
The charity, Wheels for Wellbeing, have published an extremely useful Guide to Inclusive Cycle Parking. Wheels for Wellbeing works to enhance disabled people’s lives by ensuring that anyone can access the physical, emotional, practical and social benefits of cycling.
Wheels for Wellbeing is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
Invest in the future of cycling
The demand for secure, space-efficient cycle parking is set to grow. Two tier racks are part of the solution, offering unparalleled capacity and enhanced security. The SecurePro Two Tier, with its user-friendly design and, critically, its Sold Secure Silver accreditation, represents the pinnacle of modern two-tier cycle parking solutions.
If you are ready to transform your cycle parking and want to discuss what products could help enhance your space, speak to a member of the team on 020 8699 1338 or email info@cyclehoop.com.