When it comes to residential buildings, providing secure and space-efficient bike storage solutions is essential. As more people turn to cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, the need for convenient bike storage has grown. This applies to office and public buildings but also to residential developments where occupiers are increasingly likely to appreciate, expect, and use bike parking facilities.
Deciding what kind of racks, stands or shelters you will install may feel daunting. We, of course, offer full consultations with clients who are unsure what to buy, but it is always easier to get into any conversation having done some background reading. The purpose of this blog is precisely that – to give you an overview of some of your options available from Bike Dock Solutions that are ideal for residential buildings.
Two-Tier Bike Storage
Two-tier bike racks, or two-tier bike shelters, are among the best solutions on the market. They are great at saving space and maximising the floor area of any area where they’re installed. Two-tier racks are ideal for larger residential buildings where there is a high need for bike parking, but perhaps not that much space was budgeted to be dedicated to it. Two-tier bike shelters work wonderfully well outdoors if a garden area can be repurposed for bike storage or a car park can accommodate a bicycle parking spot.
Stacking bikes on top of each other is an ingenious solution that can be implemented well in indoor car parks, basement areas, and, ideally, outdoor parking areas when combined with a shelter.
Wall-Mounted Bike Racks
Wall-mounted racks are another excellent choice for saving space. There are several types, and each has its own benefits. For example, the simple and elegant Wall-mounted Sheffield Bike Racks can be installed almost anywhere to store bikes neatly next to a wall. Others, like the Wall Dock, allow bikes to be stored vertically, freeing up floor space and making them ideal for smaller areas. They can be installed in apartments with limited space or shared communal areas.
Lastly, if you are a developer of an apartment building with limited communal space and vehicle parking areas, you could always consider an alternative like the Bike Perch or the Bike Shelf. They can be installed in corridors as they take up minimal space inside apartments. These wooden bike shelves are the perfect perk to add to a city apartment.
Floor-Mounted Stands
Floor stands—the traditional tried-and-tested option—are another one to consider. They offer a simple and accessible solution, perfect for individual use or small communal spaces. They keep bikes upright without needing to lift them, making them convenient for daily use. Floor stands, like the well-known Sheffield bike stands, are easy to use and install and don’t need much space. Floor-mounted bike stands are also a lower-cost alternative suitable for individual bikes and lower bike parking needs.
Freestanding Bike Racks
Freestanding racks are another interesting choice for residential buildings. They are versatile and do not require wall installation, making them a good option for spaces where wall mounting isn’t possible. Freestanding bike racks can be placed next to walls to look tidier or used in the middle of a room to create a little bike parking island. This gives you flexibility if your space is oddly shaped, the walls are needed for something else or you simply rather not drill into them.
Products like our Freestanding Vertical Bike Rack or the Semi-Vertical Bike Rack are also space-efficient because the bikes are held vertically. Another important benefit is that they are easily movable and can be installed in a new location.
Bike Lockers
Bike lockers are another great product that fits residential developments well. They are a great solution for single houses as they can be placed in a garden or a driveway. Cycle lockers provide the ultimate security, protecting bikes from theft and weather. They’re typically large enough for two or more bikes, depending on the model, and are an excellent investment for long-term storage.
For example, our Access Bike Shed fits up to 4 bikes and is ideal for a family house. An alternative is our Street Bike Dock, which parks 5 bikes and can be installed in communal outdoor areas in larger residential buildings.
Bike Shelters
If your residential development has an outdoor area, a bike shelter is another option you can look at. These roofed structures provide a covered area where residents can park their bikes, offering protection from the elements while keeping the bikes secure. Bike shelters are particularly useful in buildings with limited indoor storage space and outdoor communal areas, car parks, or open spaces in residential complexes.
Shelters are a great solution because they protect bikes from rain, snow, and UV rays, extending their lifespan and keeping them in better condition. They also provide better security, and some models can be manufactured with gates, extra-secure locking systems, and side panels for enhanced security, deterring theft and vandalism.
Bike shelters are usually larger installations and can accommodate multiple bikes at once, making them ideal for buildings with a high number of cyclists. Providing such a space in your building bike shelters can encourage more residents to cycle regularly, knowing their bikes are safe and sheltered.
Cycle shelters come in various designs and sizes, allowing for customisation to fit the building’s aesthetic and spatial needs.
Choosing the right bike storage solution depends on the specific needs and space constraints of your residential building. Wall-mounted racks and vertical bike parking systems are great for maximising space, while floor stands and freestanding racks offer flexibility and ease of use. For those looking for the highest security, bike lockers are ideal. If you have enough outdoor space, consider installing a well-equipped and protective shelter. Regardless of the option you choose, ensuring that the storage is convenient and accessible will encourage more residents to make use of the facilities, ultimately fostering a bike-friendly community.