Why are public bicycle racks important for commercial 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 cars contributing to 18% of Australia’s CO2 emissions.
Bicycles are an excellent alternative to cars. Sustainable, kind to the environment, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, bicycles are a cost-effective means of transport. They don’t pollute and reduce 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 overall health and fitness. Regular cycling reduces the risk of health problems typically associated with sedentary lifestyles, along with providing mental health benefits for 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 the uptake of cycling as an alternative means of transport.
- 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 providing developmental approval.
The team at Classic prioritises compliance and quality above all else. We can help with bike fitouts, bike rack installations, and parking space fitouts as per the updated guidelines. For recommendations on spacing, download our Bike Storage Compliance Guide.
1. Implement minimum bike parking space requirements
To provide sufficient space for users to access, park, and secure their bikes, AS2890.3:2015 specifies the ‘Bicycle Spacing Envelope’, which defines the minimum space required to accommodate a standard bicycle.
Horizontal Bike Parking
Spacing: 1800mm in length and 500mm in width
Vertical Bike Parking
The spacing envelope must extend 1200mm from the wall or post.
Offset spaces: 500mm width
Non-offset spaces: 700mm width
2. Understand accessibility requirements
A minimum of 20% of bike parking spaces must be located at ground level. Horizontal bike racks, such as bicycle hoops, surface-mounted hoops and multi-bay bike racks, accommodate users who cannot lift their bikes. These parking areas and pathways should be clearly marked on the ground or walls for easy navigation.
Along with the Bicycle Spacing Envelope requirements, all bike parking spaces should have an unobstructed access aisle behind them.
Required access aisle widths:
- Bicycle lockers: 2000mm
- Horizontal parking (side by side): 1500mm
- Vertical parking (side by side): 1500mm
- Multi-tier parking: 2000mm
3. Understand security provisions
AS2890.3 (2015) outlines 2 kinds of safety provisions.
Bike Storage Racks
Racks must be constructed from high-security materials designed to resist cutting, bending, and breaking. They should be securely fixed to the ground or structure, using strong and stable anchor points. Users must be able to lock at least one wheel and frame directly to the bike rack using their own D-lock.
Bike Parking Areas
Bike parking areas require proactive security measures such as optimised lighting for visibility and accessibility; sufficient drainage is needed to prevent water from pooling near racks; CCTV surveillance systems and access control systems for added protection; and more.
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.
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. Our bike racks can be customised to suit your space’s design.
Choose from Classic’s range of
- Multi-bay bike racks
- Surface-mounted bike racks
- Hoop bike racks
- Wall-mounted bike racks
- Verticle racks
- Horizontal racks
- Dynamic bike racks
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.
