Parking the Problem: How Better Cycle Parking Can Boost Public Sector Spaces

Published on Public Procurement Online

Let’s face it — cycle parking in public buildings hasn’t always been top of the agenda. From tucked-away corners to inventive use of railings or bins, it’s often been more about improvisation than infrastructure. But as priorities shift, so must the approach.

With ambitious net-zero goals and active travel strategies on the rise, secure, accessible cycle parking in public sector settings is no longer a ‘nice to have’ — it’s a must

The good news? There’s never been a better time to shift from quick fixes to smart solutions. Helmet optional — but always encouraged.

With the UK government promoting active travel through Gear Change and Local Transport Note (LTN) 1/20, public sector organisations are being encouraged to lead by example in delivering cycling-friendly infrastructure.

Cycle parking isn’t just about convenience but compliance, carbon reduction, and community leadership.

For councils, NHS trusts, and schools, investing in secure, accessible storage shows real alignment with national climate and transport goals — and makes everyday cycling easier, safer, and more appealing.

Across the UK, smart cycle parking is already making a difference. These councils are showing how it’s done:

◆ Oxford City Council

In 2025, Oxford installed 140 new cycle parking spaces across key central locations like Broad Street and Queen’s Lane. Funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy, this supports one of the UK’s highest cycling rates — 35% of residents cycle weekly.

◆ Manchester City Council

Five city parks (including Platt Fields and Wythenshawe) received secure, covered cycle stands as part of a £60,000 Active Travel project. The initiative was co-funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, promoting greener access to public spaces.

◆ Westminster City Council

From 2023–2024, Westminster added 110 on-street cycle parking spaces and rolled out 235 secure cycle hangars—serving over 1,400 bikes. The expansion also included a pilot cargo bike hangar and Santander hire-bike hubs.

◆ Ealing Council

By early 2024, Ealing installed its 100th Bikehangar as part of a £10 million active travel strategy. Residents can rent a secure bay for just £8.40 per year, making it one of the most affordable solutions in London.

◆ Glasgow City Council

As part of the Avenues Project, Glasgow introduced 20 smart-access Bikehangars, each holding six weatherproof bays. These are accessible via smartphone and co-funded through Active Travel England’s £291 million programme.

Public Sector Cycle Parking: Don’t Just Park It — Protect It

Smart cycle parking goes far beyond racks and rails. Here’s what high-quality bike storage can deliver:

• 🔐 Security
  Poorly parked bikes are magnets for theft. Installing tamper-proof, covered, and CCTV-monitored facilities protects personal property and builds confidence among staff, students, and visitors.

• 🌱 Sustainability
  Secure cycle parking supports active travel strategies and Net Zero goals. It reduces car dependency, improves air quality, and supports cleaner, greener commuting.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Public Expectation
  The public expects modern, accessible facilities. High-quality cycle infrastructure reflects investment in health, inclusivity, and accessibility — especially in schools, hospitals, and civic spaces.

• 📜 Policy Alignment
  Many funding streams now require compliant infrastructure. Standards like LTN 1/20 mandate step-free access, weather protection, and secure anchoring — which many older installations lack.

• 💸 Cost-Effective Impact
  Compared to car parking, bike parking is cheaper, more space-efficient, and quicker to implement — ideal for GP surgeries, community hubs, and city centres.

Choosing the right cycle parking for public sector spaces is more than just picking a rack and hoping for the best. Public spaces deserve solutions that are secure, inclusive, and built to last. Here’s what to consider:

Meeting Public Sector Cycle Parking Needs

Cycle parking requirements vary widely across the public sector — what works for a school may not suit an NHS site or a local authority. Each setting has different priorities, from safeguarding and visibility to capacity and accessibility.

• High-volume sites (e.g. hospitals, stations): consider two-tier or vertical racks.
• Schools and local clinics: go for Sheffield stands or hoop rails — simple and safe.

Weather Protection ☔️

UK weather is… unpredictable.
Choose shelters, canopies, or enclosed hangars to protect bikes (and riders) from rain, wind, and rust.

Accessibility & Standards

Not all cyclists ride standard bikes.
Make sure your solution complies with LTN 1/20, allowing for:

• Step-free access
• Cargo and adapted bikes
• Adequate spacing and turning room

Aesthetic & Site Integration 🧱
Cycle parking should look as good as it functions.
Choose designs that suit the space — minimalist steel for civic centres, timber-clad units for heritage areas, or colour-coded shelters for schools.

Buying secure, compliant bike parking shouldn’t involve a spreadsheet-induced headache.

Compare vetted suppliers, request quotes, and stay compliant — all in one place with Public Procurement Online.

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