Cycle storage and parking guidance

  1. Cycle storage
  2. Cycle parking
  3. School cycle and scooter parking
  4. Planning permission and permitted development
  5. Technical information

Considerations 

Covered – To provide protection from inclement weather.

Secure – To provide protection from theft and vandalism.

Safe – Pupils should feel safe when using cycle parking facilities. All cycle parking facilities should be designed in accordance with the appropriate design standards. Cycle parking should be located in a traffic free area.

Convenient – Cycle parking at a school should be easily accessed by pupils entering and leaving the school.

Accessible – School cycle parking should be easily accessed by all intended users. needs to accommodate multiple pupils at a time, as such large walk-in facilities are the most suitable in most situations.

Inclusive – School cycle parking should accommodate the differing needs of all potential users including young children and parking for adaptive bikes where required. 

Specific points for schools and nurseries 

Capacity - How many cycle parking spaces do you require? This will depend on the size of school and how many pupils regularly cycle to school.

Location -

  • Existing hard standing - Ideally cycle parking should be sited on an existing sealed surface or hard standing. We do not recommend the removal of quality green space for the installation of cycle parking. Extensive ground works like the installation of a concrete pad will significantly increase cost. 

  • 10 Meters from a building - Some local authorities now require new cycle parking or storage facilities to be located at least 10 meters from any building, where this is not possible you may require permission from the insurer to locate cycle parking within 10 meters of the school building. This is not a requirement for all schools. 

Access – In the school setting it is appropriate for cycle storage to be opened and supervised at the beginning and end of the school day and is secured with either a key or code lock. 

 

Permissions – Most schools located on local authority land will not require planning permission for the installation of cycle storage. This may not be the case in conservation area or if the school is operated via a public private partnership.  

 

Scooter parking – For many schools, especially primary schools, it is likely that some pupils will travel by scooter. Cycle parking can also include scooter parking. 

Examples

Large walk in lockable cycle store 

  • Large walk-in facility which can be easily accessed by many pupils at once.  

  • Sheffield stands are simple and easy to use. 

  • Polycarbonate and heavy-duty mesh covering provides good balance of visibility and durability. 

  • Vented roof prevents condensation build-up which could cause mould in damp conditions. 

  • Cycle store is located within the school fence and is in a safe area. 

  • Design of cycle store does not encourage climbing and can safely be situated within a school playground. 

  • Installation does not require substantial ground work and can be easily secured to existing hard standing. 

  • Large footprint requires a lot of space which may not be available in all schools. 

  • Polycarbonate may age and can be vandalised and may require replacing. 

Compact lockable cycle storage

 

  • Design takes up less space and may be more suitable where available space is limited. 

  • As design is more open sheet metal can be used instead of polycarbonate on the rear of the shelter which may last longer and require less maintenance. 

  • Sliding doors prevent access to whole shelter at once and would not be appropriate in some schools without supervision. 

Scooter parking

  • Scooter parking should be included when considering cycle parking facilities. This can be located either within or beside cycle parking.