Cycling Equipment

Travel surveys sometimes show that would-be cyclists are more likely to get on their bikes if some basic cycle related equipment is provided at the workplace.

Facilities such as showers and changing areas are not cheap. Before the organisation makes any investment, talk to current and potential cyclists to see just how serious they are about cycling.

If would-be cyclists tell you they're more likely to cycle with some basic equipment in place, make sure there isn't anything more fundamental that will still hold them back, for example, if they fear cycling along a busy road near your site.

Remember also that match-funding and even free resources might be available.

Cycle Parking

Safe, secure, convenient cycle parking is often the most important consideration a cyclist is looking for at the workplace. People need to be confident that when they come back to their bike at the end of the day, it's exactly where they left it and in exactly the same condition.

The ideal place to keep a bike is inside a building in a room that's specifically set aside for cycle storage. The room should be located on the ground floor near easily accessible entrances/exits, avoiding those entrances/exits that are especially busy with foot-traffic. Depending on how secure the room is, you may also want to consider providing CCTV or some form of locking device. Some sites even provide indoor 'Sheffield stands' for cyclists to secure their bikes to.

If it's outside, the bike parking area should be well lit, secure and well maintained. It should be located as close as possible to building entrances/exits. Doing so not only makes it more convenient, it also means that people walking past help provide a level of natural surveillance. Apart from regular footfall, CCTV could also be considered for added security. A covered parking area should help keep bikes dry.

There are a plethora of storage options available to consider and much will depend on the size of the space and funds that are available. Solutions range from inexpensive hooks, racks or wall bars to substantial structures such as compounds and lockers.

The Travel Plan Coordinator should be aiming to provide a facility that's well used but always has some capacity left over for additional bikes. It might be difficult to forecast how much cycle parking will be needed but the results from a travel survey and talking to would-be cyclists will give you a helpful indication.

Transport for London have produced an excellent Workplace Cycle Parking Guide which includes information on all manner of cycle parking and storage solutions that are available.

Sustrans also offers useful guidance on Best Practice Cycle Parking , including a design guide providing detailed information on location, design, installation and maintenance as well as how much parking is needed.

Lockers

Lockers are useful for storing pumps, helmets, washing kit, spare clothing etc. They also help avoid unnecessary and unsightly clutter around the workplace.

Showers, changing and drying areas

Many people that cycle to work would welcome the opportunity to take a shower especially if they've cycled (walked or run) some distance. Some workplaces provide additional incentives such as shampoo, towels, hair dryers, mirrors, irons, ironing boards and tumble-dryers for damp gear.

Puncture Repair Kits and Basic Toolkit

Simple but effective form of support for the cyclist!