Having somewhere safe to keep my bike means I can actually use it without worrying about it being damaged or taken.
Key Housing
New bike storage
Good quality cycle parking and storage are essential to support more people to travel by bike. Cycling Scotland works with partners across Scotland, including local authorities, social housing providers, workplaces and schools to provide expertise and funding to increase access to cycle parking and storage.
Cycling Scotland work with a number of Regional Transport Partnerships to support the delivery of the Scottish Government’s People & Place programme.
What’s the difference between cycle parking and cycle storage?
Cycle parking: intended for short term visits, prioritising convenience. Ideal for public spaces.
Cycle storage: intended for securing bikes for a longer period, prioritising security and protection from the weather. Ideal for workplaces and overnight storage at homes.
Residential cycle storage research
A lack of suitable cycle storage is one of the most common barriers to cycling, as detailed in our residential cycle storage research. This project analysed housing stock across Scotland and found that one third of Scottish households are likely to have no safe place to store a bike. It also highlights the clear links to transport poverty and other social inequalities, and the importance of safe cycle storage to access the many benefits and opportunities that cycling can provide.
Why this matters
- The lack of suitable cycle storage is one of the most common barriers to cycling. In Scotland, one in three households don't have anywhere safe or secure to store a bike, impacting an estimated 1.5 million people.
- Without access to suitable cycle storage many tenants resort to storing their bike in communal areas and stair wells, which can create a fire safety hazard and create conflict with their housing provider.
- By investing in cycle storage, housing associations can help reduce transport inequality, encourage everyday cycling, and support active travel across communities as demonstrated in this video case study with Link Group.
What financial support is available?
Cycling Scotland is working with regional and local partners to provide support and bespoke guidance to organisations to improve access to bikes, cycle parking and storage facilities for workplaces, schools and social housing providers in many areas across Scotland.
For more information on what support is available in your area, please contact us or complete an expression of interest.
General principles of installing cycle parking and storage include
- Covered: provides protection from the weather
- Secure: provides protection from theft and vandalism
- Safe: people do not feel vulnerable or at risk when using the facility
- Convenient: is located within the home or building or if it is an external facility it is located at or near the entrance.
- Accessible: can be easily accessed and does not require users to carry or lift bikes, navigate stairs or other obstacles.
- Inclusive: takes into account the differing needs of potential users.
