Why are public bicycle racks important for environmental infrastructure?
With rising population densities resulting in more cars on our roads, it’s now more important than ever to create bike-friendly workplaces and environments. As we rally to minimise our environmental footprint, cars remain a major source of greenhouse gas pollution in Australia, with car emissions surging by at least 25% since 1990.
On the other hand, bicycles are a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly means of transport, producing zero pollution while reducing everyday traffic congestion. 20 bicycles can also share the same space required to park a single car, enhancing space-efficient architecture.
Beyond their environmental benefits, biking is a great aerobic activity that promotes one’s overall health and fitness. Reducing the risk of health problems typically associated with sedentary lifestyles, regular cycling can improve your cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength while reducing anxiety, depression and stress.
By incorporating functional bike parking facilities in your next project design, you’ll be positively contributing to:
- A positive effect on the environment
- Increased health and wellness
- Convenient, safe and sustainable cycling infrastructure
Top 7 benefits of providing functional bike parking facilities
Whether it’s installing more bike racks at schools, workplaces, shopping centres, commercial facilities or general public areas, providing safe bicycle parking options will encourage uptake of cycling as an alternative means of transport.
Here are the top 7 benefits of designing and designating quality bike parking facilities:
- Decreases our overall environmental footprint for a more sustainable future
- Promotes social and individual health
- Supports a progressive business culture (e.g. bike-friendly workplace)
- Increases your facility’s parking capacity at no further cost
- Enhances the aesthetics and uniformity of your public space by minimising bike parking clutter
- Attracts more bike-commuting customers or public visitors which helps with boosting revenue
- Prevents bike theft and provides passive surveillance
Do bike racks need to adhere to any Australian Standards?
Yes, the AS2890.3 (2015) standard provides a set of minimum requirements for the layout, design and security of bicycle parking facilities across residential, commercial and industrial developments. It also states the requirements and criteria for selecting compliant bicycle parking solutions.
3 steps to building a compliant and safe bike parking facility
Below are the three recommended steps for developing an Australian Standards-compliant bike parking facility. However, to ensure your project’s full compliance, please consult with the local council or government that’s providing developmental approval.
- Determine the number and class of bicycle parking spaces required
AS2890.3 (2015) classifies bicycle parking facilities by the level of security provided.
- Class A: A parking space within an individual bike locker with a high-security locking system
- Class B: A Class C parking space situated within a secure room or structure that can only be accessed with keys, codes or swipe cards in communal areas
- Class C: A bicycle parking space that locks the frame and wheels to the bicycle parking device, using the cyclist’s own locking device
For more information, see here.
- Implement minimum bike parking space requirements
AS2890.3 factors in standard bike dimension sizes of 1800mm length, 500mm width and 1200mm height when designing parking spaces for bikes. Bicycle parking or storage can be either horizontal or vertical for optimised space utilisation, with a minimum of 20% of all bike parking to be horizontal style parking.
- Horizontal parking: Allow for 1800mm in length and 500mm in width
- Vertical parking: Allow for 1200mm in length and 500mm in width – if staggered in height, they also need to be 500mm apart and separated by 300mm in height
For additional bike parking space requirements, click here.
- Understand bike locker and parking device requirements
There are three bicycle parking facility security levels.
- Class A: A high-security, enclosed lockable space designed for one bike park within, made of high-security materials to protect against theft and weather
- Class B: Facilities must provide a secure room or compound, requiring a compliant bicycle parking device*
- Class C: A space large enough to park a bike, requiring a compliant bicycle parking device*
*AS2890.3 (2015) defines bicycle parking device as “a construction made of high-security material designed to provide stability to bicycles placed in or against the device”. Bike racks and rails are examples of bicycle parking devices.
Learn more about compliant bike parking devices and locker requirements.
Bike parking placement – where to install your bike racks
To achieve the best placement for bike racks or bike bollards, you must first determine the installation surface.
Depending on the installation surface, there will be different methods for how and where to install your bike racks.
Installing bike racks in concrete
For new developments, you can install the bike rack by encasing part of the rack in concrete, known as in-ground mounting.
For existing developments, you can install bike racks by using surface mount methods.
Installing bike racks on asphalt
For asphalt surfaces, you can cut out an area of the asphalt to perform an in-ground mount, secured in place by concrete footings.
For freestanding bike parking options, you can mount bike racks on a metal c-channel or rails.
Alternatively, you can also use freestanding bike racks that feature enclosed loops.
Installing bike racks on pavers
If you need to install a bike rack on pavers, it’s best to remove the pavers where the legs of the bike rack will be installed and use concrete to encase the legs of the bike racks.
You can also consider using bike racks on rails or freestanding bike racks.
Installing bike racks on natural surfaces
If installing bike racks on natural surfaces such as dirt, grass or crushed limestone, pouring concrete footings for in-ground installation would be the best option.
Otherwise, you can also consider bike racks on rails or freestanding bicycle racks.
For more information on commercial bike parking installation methods, click here.
Explore the best types of bike racks for commercial bike parking
Bike racks and bike bollards are the most popular option for short-term bike parking, usually located in central and high-traffic areas. On the other hand, bike lockers and bike lockups are often used for long-term bicycle security and parking as they provide added protection against theft and weather.
Ideal for public access areas and shared space, Classic Architectural Group offers versatile, architecturally-designed bike racks for commercial bike parking. Available in stainless steel, galvanised and powder-coated options to suit your application.
Choose from Classic’s range of
- Surface-mount bike racks
- Below-ground bike racks
- Hoop-top bike racks
- Wall-mount bike racks
Our most popular designs include our hoop bicycle rail with baseplate for surface-mount applications and wall-mounted bicycle racks with various design customisation choices.
To access our full Rail, Wall and Multi-Bay bicycle rack product range, please give us a call at 1300 244 377 or drop us an enquiry via info@classic-arch.com.
Projects proudly featuring Classic’s bike racks
Hyatt Place – Caribbean Park, Victoria
Arkadia Apartments – Sydney, New South Wales
Goulburn Base Hospital – Goulburn, New South Wales
Amazon – Mel 5 – Ravenhall, Victoria
Kaufland Distribution Centre – Mickleham, Victoria
Making public spaces safe, attractive and accessible to all, Classic’s quality access solutions are trusted by building professionals across Australia. Whether it’s bike racks, stair nosings, tactile indicators, entrance matting or other, we specialise in fulfilling the complete supply chain, from design to installation.
View our latest projects for more inspiration.
Need bike parking advice?
Elevating your project with design-conscious access and safety solutions, Classic can help you provide bicycle parking and storage for commercial and public spaces. All of our bike racks and bike parking solutions are compliant with the Australian Standards, complete with a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
To keep your project streamlined, take advantage of our installation services and comprehensive car park safety solutions to optimise your commercial bike and vehicle parking facilities.
For expert bike parking advice or to explore how Classic can help you get a step ahead with our end-to-end public access and safety solutions, contact us by calling 1300 244 377 today.
