Why cycle parking is rated as being the most important factor in encouraging employees to cycle to be effective

We all know that there are benefits for employers if their workers cycle to be effective. Not only is it ‘doing their bit’ for that environment it is also increasing the wellbeing of the staff.
Sustrans (a leading UK charity supporting sustainable travel) are championing this using their Cycle to operate Standard that is asking Government to create minimum standard of facilities and support that workplaces should provide for those people commuting by bike.

Sustrans seemed to be getting employees views and attitudes for this issue and asking what their attitudes are going to cycling to be effective. Laptop computer results highlighted an extremely interested, and somewhat unexpected, results in terms of what employers could do in order to encourage employees to cycle to be effective.
Past discussions had always highlighted the production of showers as being a major factor, however the outcomes of laptop computer, which have over 10,000 responses, actually had the production of secure cycle parking weight loss important amongst both cyclists and non-cyclists.

So if you’re an employer and you also wish to encourage cycling to be effective amongst your employees, you will need to tackle the issue of fine cycle parking not only for your current cyclists, but also with plenty capacity for new cyclists too.

So what can YOU NEED TO CONSIDER?

The position of the parking

Ideally any cycle parking facilities should be visible. Access shouldn’t be in close proximity to dangerous roads and really should be convenient (so not miles outside the entrance). It will even be well away from smoking areas.

Security

The position of the cycle parking goes long distance towards security, ensuring it possesses a prominent position in close proximity to facilities / entrance. You also have to consider lighting and whether CCTV is needed. In case a cycle parking compound is used there are many fire alarm inspections available to protect the bikes and users.

Capacity

You need to accommodate the near future amount of cyclists rather than the methods you have already.

What if you have small space?

If space are at reasonably limited there are a number of cycle parking options that only have a small footprint. Principle Sheffield Stand is ideal for small areas.

Car parks are a frequently neglected area and overtaking a number of carpark spaces can offer Bike Sheds for a lot of cyclists.Two tier cycle shelters and racks optimise the quantity of cycle parking spaces provided. A single carpark space could provide cycle parking having a two tier stand all the way to 24 cycles (as long as there is space for access either side). When utilizing auto parking spaces, you need to consider the safety and cyclists a lot more close proximity to cars.

What if you have no budget?

In some areas there is local authority funding to subsidise cycle parking in the office. You should speak to your Local Authority right to check if funding can be found in your region.

Should you be looking to stimulate more employees to cycle to be effective, be sure to consider the cycle parking facilities you provide them.
For details about Bike Sheds you can check our new web portal: this site