According to the 2025 National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey, cycling for transport continues to grow in popularity across Australia, rising by more than 10% in 2025. Around 15% of Australians ride a bike each week, while 24% cycle at least once per month. Offering a practical way to avoid peak-hour traffic amid rising fuel costs, cycling also offers numerous health and well-being benefits.
Most importantly, 2 in 5 Australians also indicated they would ride more, or take up riding, if they felt safer and more comfortable doing so. As active transport becomes more widespread, many commercial developments are now required to incorporate bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities to meet sustainability targets, planning requirements, and user expectations.
Well-designed bike storage solutions not only encourage cycling uptake but also help maximise space efficiency, enhancing the overall functionality and tenancy appeal of a building.
As a leading supplier of compliant commercial bike storage systems in Australia, Classic Architectural Group offers expert guidance and practical planning tools to help building professionals achieve their project goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the right commercial bike storage solutions, key compliance considerations, and practical examples for a wide range of commercial applications.
The Growing Need for Commercial Bike Storage in Australia
The Australian Government has announced the Active Transport Fund, committing $100 million to the design and construction of new and upgraded bicycle and walking pathways to encourage greater use of active transport.
Alongside governmental and local council sustainability initiatives, this increasing demand for cycling infrastructure is now being reflected in new commercial developments, particularly in urban areas.
Integrating compliant commercial bike racks and convenient end-of-trip facilities can also help commercial projects improve their ESG scores and increase property value, further supporting those aiming for Green Star and NABERS environmental ratings. According to research from Real Investment Analytics, office buildings with Green Star Design and As-Built certifications have higher occupancy rates and higher price per square metre than non-certified buildings.
While providing secure bike parking facilities is an important first step, it is equally crucial to consider safety and accessibility to ensure compliance with relevant planning and building requirements.
Choosing the Right Commercial Bike Storage System
Hoop Bike Racks
Hoop bike racks are a stylish, practical design that allows cyclists to securely lock both the frame and the wheel while maintaining easy access and a clean, architectural appearance.
Available in stainless steel and galvanised finishes for both surface-mount and cast-in applications, bike hoops provide durable, cost-effective, and secure bike parking for schools, shopping centres, and urban streetscapes.
Surface-Mounted Bike Racks
One of the most popular and versatile commercial bike storage systems, surface-mounted bike racks offer a durable and scalable solution for commercial developments, shopping centres, residential buildings, and public spaces.
Securely anchored to the ground, floor-mounted bike racks are easy to install on concrete or asphalt surfaces, making them ideal for urban environments, car parks, and other high-traffic areas.
Vertical Bike Storage Systems
With flexible configurations to suit specific project requirements, vertical bike racks provide an efficient, space-saving bike storage solution for compact spaces.
By storing bicycles in an upright position, they maximise storage capacity for areas with limited floor space, making them ideal for offices, apartment buildings, car parks, and end-of-trip facilities.
Multi-Tier and High-Density Bike Parking
Accommodating 2 to 10 bikes in a single system, multi-tier bike racks are a great solution for high-volume developments where efficiency and optimised space utilisation are key.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, multi-bike racks are commonly installed in public transport hubs and in commercial, residential, and office buildings with end-of-trip facilities, where high-density bike parking is required.
Learn more about high-density bike parking solutions.
Understanding Australian Bike Parking Standards and Compliance
Failure to meet bike parking compliance in Australia can result in project delays, costly rework, safety risks, and potential legal liability. With standards evolving over time, understanding AS 2890.3 for bicycle parking compliance is essential.
The National Construction Code (NCC) outlines the minimum technical requirements for the design and construction of buildings across Australia. Within this framework, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) forms chapters 1 and 2 of the NCC.
The BCA references and requires compliance with AS2890.3:2015, which specifies the layout, design, and security requirements for bicycle parking facilities. To maintain ongoing compliance and functionality, regular inspection and maintenance of bike storage areas is also recommended to ensure continued safety and usability over time.
In addition to the Australian Standards, many local governments also require the provision of compliant bicycle parking as part of development approvals.
Not sure where to start?
Use our free Ezi360TM Bike Storage Planner tool to generate compliant bike storage layouts tailored to your space dimensions and requirements.
How to Plan Commercial Bike Storage Effectively
Whether planning commercial bike storage for an office building or shopping centre, several key factors need to be considered to ensure efficiency and compliance from the outset.
Choosing the Right Bike Racks
Bike storage facilities should accommodate a range of bicycle types, including standard bikes, electric bikes, and cargo bikes.
Developments must also provide at least 20% horizontal ground-level bike parking to support accessibility and ensure safe, practical use for all users.
Consider Available Space
While optimising space is always a key focus, compliance with spacing and clearance requirements is vital. AS2890.3:2015 outlines minimum requirements for the Bicycle Spacing Envelope, allowing sufficient room for parking and locking movements. An unobstructed access aisle must also be allocated behind all bike parking spaces.
When determining the most suitable configuration and layout, additional site factors should also be considered, including but not limited to:
- Wall dimensions
- Ceiling height
- Access points
- Potential obstructions
- Pedestrian flow
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To simplify planning and maximise space efficiency, use our Ezi360TM Bike Storage Planner tool to plan your bike storage in just 3 simple steps.
All you need to provide are the dimensions of your space, including wall lengths, ceiling height, and the location of any doors or obstructions. Read more about how to use the Ezi360 planning tool.
User Requirements & Experience
Bike storage areas should be located for convenience and ease of access, ideally positioned close to building entrances and end-of-trip amenities. Clear signage should highlight the location of bike storage areas and any relevant regulations or restrictions.
Security features should also be considered early in the design process, with adequate lighting, surveillance, and proximity to high-traffic areas to ensure safety at all times and help deter theft and vandalism.
Safety & Security Requirements
To meet AS 2890.3:2015 guidelines, bike racks must be constructed from durable, high-security materials and securely fixed to the ground or structure using stable anchor points.
Users must be able to lock at least one wheel and the frame directly to the bike rack using a D-lock. CCTV surveillance systems and access control systems should also be installed for added protection.
Any defects or damage should be promptly repaired to maintain ongoing safety and compliance.
End-of-Trip Facility Planning
New developments targeting Green Star ratings may also earn additional points by providing high-quality end-of-trip facilities that encourage active transport.
Alongside compliant bike storage, these facilities may include showers, lockers, water stations, change rooms, repair systems, and controlled access systems to improve user experience and convenience. Dive into the benefits and design considerations of end-of-trip facilities.
Future Growth and Stability
As urban density increases and sustainability benchmarks evolve, future-proofing bike storage capacity is essential.
Modular bike storage systems and flexible configurations, such as vertical bike racks and multi-tier bike racks, allow developments to scale capacity efficiently without increasing floor space requirements.
Where Commercial Bike Storage Solutions Are Used
Offering safe, convenient bike storage promotes sustainability and active transport initiatives across a wide range of commercial applications. While each setting may have different demands, the overarching goal remains the same: to provide accessible and compliant facilities that encourage cycling while protecting users and infrastructure.
Office Buildings & End-of-Trip Facilties
In office buildings, active commuting to work is encouraged by providing bike storage and end-of-trip facilities such as showers, lockers, and change rooms.
For planners and facility managers, key considerations include proximity to building entrances, efficient use of space, sufficient security and access control measures, and regular inspection and maintenance to ensure ongoing safety and usability.
Apartment Buildings
Allocated bike storage areas help keep bicycles out of hallways and private units, reducing clutter within and around living spaces.
Planners must ensure that bike storage facilities are secure and easy to access while navigating space constraints and ensuring safety for all residents.
Shopping Centres & Retail Precincts
Retail precincts often experience high traffic levels, making convenience and security key considerations for bike storage areas.
Facilities must be easy to locate, positioned near key entrances, and designed to minimise the risk of theft in high-traffic public areas, without impeding on pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Transport Hubs & Public Infrastructure
Transport hubs and public infrastructure, such as parks and libraries, require highly durable, secure bike storage solutions due to constant public access and limited supervision.
These public spaces are often located outdoors, increasing the risk of vandalism, theft, and misuse, as well as exposure to the elements.
Planners and building professionals must prioritise visibility and durability, ensuring bike storage facilities are convenient to access but resistant to intentional damage.
Universities & Schools
Educational facilities can often present unique challenges due to a higher volume of cyclists, varying rider ages, and congestion during peak times and in high-traffic areas. Bike storage areas need to be easy to access and scalable to accommodate fluctuating demand throughout the year.
Bike storage racks should be durable and securely fixed due to heavy daily use. The facilities should also have clear signage, adequate lighting, and security measures to prevent theft and vandalism.
How Bike Storage Supports Sustainable Development Goals
Integrating safe, compliant bike storage into commercial, residential, and industrial developments plays an important role in supporting broader sustainability outcomes.
Well-planned bicycle storage facilities encourage greater uptake of cycling as a transport option, helping reduce reliance on private vehicles and reducing overall carbon footprint.
Key sustainability and urban planning benefits include:
- Reducing traffic congestion, especially for short-distance trips
- Lowering transport emissions
- Supporting Green Star and other sustainability ratings
- Reducing demand for car parking, allowing more efficient land use
- Improving tenant and occupant experience
- Enhancing community accessibility and inclusivity
- Optimising space in high-density urban environments
When planned early in the design process, bike storage becomes more than a compliance factor; it is a strategic move towards building healthier, more sustainable communities.
What to Look for in a Commercial Bike Storage Provider
Beyond selecting the right products, choosing the right commercial bike storage provider is fundamental to achieving compliant, durable outcomes. A reputable provider should bring proven compliance expertise and a commitment to manufacturing quality, helping ensure solutions are fit for purpose and designed to deliver long-term value.
They should also have demonstrated experience across a broad range of Australian commercial projects, with the ability to offer custom design solutions and practical installation support. This ensures bike storage systems that are tailored to different applications and project requirements, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why work with Classic Architectural Group for your bike storage needs
Alongside other safety and access solutions, we offer:
- Over 45 years of experience working with Australian councils, architects, specifiers, and developers
- End-to-end support, from consultation to design, supply, and installation
- A comprehensive range of commercial bike rack systems to suit different applications
- Custom bike storage design capabilities for complex or unconventional layouts
- Fully integrated solutions across stairs, floors, entrances, bollards, and car park safety to complement your bike storage
- NCC and AS2890 compliant products
Get started today with our Ezi360™ planning tool, or contact us to request a quote or to discuss your project requirements.
Conclusion: Future-Proofing Commercial Developments with Smart Bike Storage
Driven by increasing demand for active transport and evolving sustainability expectations, bike storage is now considered essential infrastructure in Australian commercial developments. Balancing compliance requirements with user experience is integral, ensuring facilities are not only fit for purpose but also accessible and easy to navigate.
As every project has different needs, early planning helps ensure compliant outcomes from the outset and reduces the risk of costly delays and retrofit difficulties down the track. Selecting a supplier with proven expertise in compliant, durable solutions helps ensure bike storage is designed to perform well into the future.
Supporting your goals, Classic Architectural Group removes the complexity and risk of compliance across the entire built environment, delivering certainty at every stage.
Explore our range of commercial bike storage solutions, or contact our team for project-specific advice and a tailored quote.
