Alternative transport and active travel are becoming increasingly important for property owners and asset managers. It is getting hard to ignore the increased customer and end-user demands for more and better active travel facilities, including bike storage, and rightly so. Encouraging active travel as a viable method of daily commuting and getting more people to hop on bikes is a great tool in our arsenal against climate change, air and noise pollution and the ever-worsening city traffic jams. On top of that, there is a general feeling in the air that legislative changes are inevitable and soon to come – greener buildings, better cycle infrastructure, and bike storage would probably be some of the things high up on the list.
Knowing this, you may have already decided to install some bike storage. But where? When it comes to bike storage, one of the first decisions you will need to make is in or out. Neither option is wrong, and both indoor and outdoor bike storage have their pluses and minuses. Let’s see what you should think about when making that decision and explore the pros and cons of outdoor bike storage.
Is Outdoor Bike Storage A Good Idea?
We would say, yes, on the balance of things, outdoor bike storage is a pretty good idea if it aligns with your specific requirements. This, of course, will entirely depend on your location and space. There may not be any outdoor area for you even to consider, making your life simple – indoor bike storage it is. However, if you have that option, it is worth considering its benefits and drawbacks and weighing them against the potential disadvantages of weather exposure, security, and maintenance. Evaluating your location’s specific context and needs will help determine if outdoor bike storage is the best solution for you.
The Pluses of Outdoor Two-Tier Bike Storage
Outdoor bike storage can be a solution if your indoor space is limited. It gives you a way to keep bikes without occupying primary indoor real estate, making it an efficient choice for businesses with restricted interior areas. Combined with the nature of two-tier bike racks which are efficient by default, you can do some real space saving and maximise your storage area.
Designating an outside area for bike parking can also be more cost-effective, depending on your specific situation. Installing racks and even a shelter can still be quicker, cleaner, and cheaper than creating, modifying, and converting indoor spaces into bike parking. Doing that may require significant construction or renovation, and you can save yourself the hassle by opting for outdoor storage.
In terms of accessibility, outdoor bike storage can be easy to access for cyclists. Especially if it is positioned right and near an exit or entrance, allowing people to park and retrieve their bikes quickly. This ease of access can be particularly beneficial for businesses with high volumes of bike traffic. However, it’s worth noting that this accessibility can also pose some challenges. For instance, cyclists might find it inconvenient to walk from the bike stands to the entrance during bad weather or late at night when it’s dark – so plan for this and remember – the closer to the door, the better.
Outdoor storage can accommodate a larger number of bicycles, making it suitable for businesses with a high demand for bike parking. Outdoor spaces offer flexibility as they can be easily expanded and reconfigured to fit like a glove to your changing needs, which isn’t always the case with existing constructions. This adaptability makes outdoor bike storage a versatile solution for growing businesses or fluctuating bike traffic.
The Drawbacks of Outdoor Two-Tier Bike Storage
Buying two-tier bike racks is a smart investment into upgrading your property and catering to users’ needs. Like with all investments, you’d probably like to protect yours than leave it to the wind and rain to batter. Bikes and bike racks stored outdoors are exposed to weather conditions such as rain, snow, and sun, which can cause wear and tear as the years go by. This exposure can lead to the risk of rust, fading, and other damage to your property and your employees over time. This can be, of course, solved by adding a two-tier bike shelter, and we always recommend our clients combine the two as it gives the racks a longer lifespan, amongst other benefits.
Another drawback of having outdoor bike racks is the decreased levels of security. Outdoor spaces are generally more vulnerable to theft and vandalism than indoor storage, which often benefits from additional security measures like going through a few doors before getting to the bikes, CCTV, controlled access, etc.
Outdoor cycle parking may be quicker and easier to get to, but cyclists might feel differently on a bad weather day or late at night. Running from the cycle parking spot to the entrance in the rain may not lead to a great overall experience for employees or visitors. This can be solved with a walkway or by choosing a location really close to the door, which we always recommend – it mitigates the bad weather issue, plus it makes the parking easy to find, which should increase its use.
Lastly, piggybacking on the first point – the weather, the rain and sun will eventually wear down your racks as time goes. Outdoor racks may require more frequent maintenance and cleaning due to exposure to the elements and the potential for debris accumulation. Although slowly, over the years, this increases the risk of rust, corrosion, and damage to sensitive components.
How To Mitigate The Cons Of Outdoor Bike Storage?
Saying all of the above, if outdoor is your choice, it is relatively easy to mitigate some of the negatives and achieve a good balance of cost, security, and accessibility.
Firstly, make sure your two-tier bike racks are under a cover—a bike shelter or an existing roof attached to the building. Even though two-tier bike shelters don’t offer full enclosure, they still give you excellent protection against sun, rain, and harsh wind. This will protect bikes better and also give your racks a longer life and less need for maintenance.
Then, get down to the details, and trust us, they will make all the difference. The two-tier racks are already very secure with their two-point locking system, but to give people peace of mind, provide extras like lighting and security cameras to discourage vandalism and theft.
Lastly, make sure to choose a good location for your bike parking. Place it close to exits or entrances, and provide clear signs to guide people to it. In an ideal cycling world, no one should have to run between buildings without cover or wander around trying to find bike parking. Even if you have great racks, people won’t use them if they can’t find them. So, ensure your bike parking is easy to locate!
To sum it up, outdoor bike storage can be a good idea if it aligns with your specific needs and situation. It offers significant benefits like space efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and easy accessibility. However, it also comes with drawbacks, such as exposure to the elements, security concerns, and potential maintenance issues. Weighing these pros and cons based on your location and requirements will help you determine if outdoor bike storage is the best solution for you. Remember the pitfalls and plan for them and you should end up with a great bike parking spot that will make your employees and visitors happy!
