How to create attractive bike parking - inspiration for property owners and housing associations
Now that the cycling season is over for most of us, and the bikes will be put away for winter storage, you may be wondering how relevant it is to think about a well-organized bike room.
Many older buildings in Sweden were built without considering today's growing use of bicycles, with households often owning multiple bikes for different purposes. This has led to many basement storage rooms being filled to capacity, as dedicated bicycle parking is often lacking in older buildings.
Can you relate to the following scenario?
You live in the middle of the city and cycling is your primary means of transportation. All year round.
Every morning it's the same struggle: In the basement of the building, there's a bike room that doubles as a stroller parking lot and a public bike parking lot for children's bikes and parked bikes that nobody seems to have touched for a long time - and you have to pry your way through a dark bike domino.
To make matters worse, the room is dark and you fumble to find the light switch. On top of the stress and the occasional swear word, you think it would be nice to have a dedicated parking space for your bike.
Getting your bike out of the bike storage room is a bit of a chore and certainly does NOT contribute to a great start to the morning.
Can you relate?
If the answer is YES
We understand how you feel, then we think you should tell your BRF about our tips on how to get your bike room in order.
If the answer is NO
Because you would never park your theft-prone bike in a common basement. Keep reading because there will be tips for you too.
How to upgrade your basement to a modern bicycle parking area
Here are our top tips for transforming a messy bike room into a place as lovely as the most optimal laundry room
- Do a visual inspection and evaluate the space. Is it possible to optimize storage? Do you have high ceilings or is it possible to have wall-mounted bike racks?
- Ensure that the suspension does not require physical strength, if possible install gas spring assisted bike racks that facilitate all users
- Adapt the space to different needs. Keep the year-round commuter in mind or why not a specific bike space for those who want higher security.
- Is it possible to have dedicated bicycle spaces for a small monthly fee for those who wish?
- Install charging cabinets for electric bikes to make bike rooms attractive. The charging cabinets, which you can read more about here, can consist of personal and lockable compartments. Avoid bringing the battery to the apartment and keep the hall free of cords.
- Increase safety and comfort with presence-controlled lighting - No one should have to grope in the dark to pick up their bike.
- Create a service station with, for example, a pump and simple tools so that residents can easily maintain their bikes.
- A secure space with small cabinets and shelves for storing bicycle accessories, such as helmets, locks and panniers makes the room more organized and appealing.
By upgrading and optimizing your bicycle storage, you can meet today's needs in your building while creating more order and security.
We are convinced that an organized and pleasant bicycle parking is a good investment for all residents, and not least in the property in the long run. If you want advice on the best solutions for safe charging of bicycle batteries in your property, we are ready to answer your questions.
With small changes, it is possible to create a bike park that not only protects bikes but also inspires more people to use bikes as a means of transportation, maybe even all year round! Choosing the bicycle as a primary means of transportation is a step in the right direction. We would therefore like to recommend Cykelfrämjandet , a non-profit organization that works to promote cycling in Sweden and pushes for the development of better cycling infrastructure and safety for cyclists.
