Bike racks are essential equipment for cycling infrastructure. The range runs from classic U-shaped stands and multi-bay structures to bike repair stations fitted with basic service tools. We offer steel solutions, galvanised and powder-coated, built to withstand year-round outdoor use.
Bike racks are most often ordered by municipal authorities, developers and managers of residential estates and office buildings who want to encourage residents and employees to use sustainable transport. See also bike repair stations to complete your infrastructure.
Bike racks are part of our wide street furniture range, which also includes benches, litter bins and other equipment for public spaces.
Of the available designs, the inverted U (Sheffield) stand remains the most popular. It is simple and economical to make, and supports the bike at two points, which stops the frame from falling over and makes it easy to lock both the frame and a wheel with a U-lock. Wave racks are cheaper but secure the frame less well, so they are mainly suited to locations with a low risk of theft.
Where space is limited, for example at office entrances in city centres, two-tier racks are increasingly used, allowing bikes to be parked at two heights within the same floor area. However, lifting a bike onto the upper tier takes more effort, so this solution is less suitable for public locations used by older people or parents with children's bikes.
The construction material, powder-coated galvanised steel or stainless steel, determines how well the rack withstands year-round outdoor use, including contact with road salt in winter. The zinc coating beneath the paint protects the steel core even if the outer paint layer is damaged, which extends the life of the structure compared with powder coating alone without galvanising.
When deciding on the number of spaces, take into account both current demand and the expected growth in the number of cyclists using the location. Too few spaces leads to bikes being locked to fences, railings or lamp posts, which looks untidy and may break the rules of the space. In office buildings and residential estates it is good practice to plan some spare capacity in case cycling to work becomes more popular.
Racks are usually fixed to the ground with chemical or mechanical anchors, depending on the surface: block paving, concrete or asphalt. Secure fixing matters not only for the stability of the structure but also for theft protection, as a poorly fixed rack can easily be pulled out of the ground together with the bike locked to it.
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If you are not sure which solution is right for your space, please contact us. We will help you choose products tailored to your needs.
