How to upgrade university campuses with improved cycle parking

There has been an improved focus from the UK Government over recent years to accommodate the increasing popularity of cycling. This involves significant spend on upgrading urban infrastructure to make it safer and more secure for cyclists, including more cycle lanes, better accessibility, and higher-quality cycle parking.

Universities will stand to gain from the investment as it means more students and teachers can cycle to campuses, rather than having to drive or rely on public transport.

With this in mind, it is important to consider the factors involved in upgrading university campuses with better cycle parking facilities.

Benefits of cycle parking for university campuses

University campuses are busy throughout the day, with both staff and students traveling in and out for seminars and lectures.

To accommodate the increasing numbers of people cycling, cycle parking facilities require detailed thought and planning.

Secure and accessible bike parking that is easy to locate for users will encourage more students and teachers to commute via cycling. This in turn promotes better health and well-being for the individuals that cycle, which encourages happier and healthier students who are more focussed, as well as happier and healthier teachers who will take fewer sick days (this is supported by a number of studies).

Cycle parking and storage also bring benefits to university campuses directly. If there is more dedicated cycle parking around a campus, it is less likely that bikes will be chained to lampposts, fences, or trees. This reduces any potential eye sores and transforms campuses into more welcoming spaces.

Dedicated bike storage also makes for a more secure area to store bikes and reduce bike theft. Often, bike shelters and stands are in campus areas that are well-lit and have CCTV in operation, which acts as a deterrent to potential bike thefts.

The University of Sheffield is a great example of where a university has adopted various cycle schemes throughout to encourage students and teachers to cycle to campus. They have a dedicated Cycle Hub for users to store their bikes safely, as well as cycling guides, maps of cycle storage facilities and even an app where users can earn points every time they cycle to campus.

For more information visit their cycling page.

Cycle parking options for university campuses

Now the benefits of cycle storage for university campuses have been presented, let's discuss how you can improve cycle parking facilities for universities.

Improving cycle parking involves sourcing products that are durable; aesthetically-wise look the part and enhance the campus environment; stand the test of time; and are cost-effective and fit within the project budget.

A popular choice among sub-contractors for bike stands is our Everest Double Decker Cycle Rack. It is simple to order and install, and its modular nature means it can be extended at a future date if required.

It is perfect for university campuses as generally these are areas where space is at a premium. And the two-tiered function of the Everest Bike Stand means it holds twice as many bikes as conventional cycle stands.

Street Furniture Direct has a range of Space Saving Cycle Parking, perfect for university campuses. Other popular options include:

Verti Apex Wall Mounted Cycle Stand: simple to install with only two wall-mounted plates, it is incredibly space-saving. This wall-mounted cycle stand is available in a powder-coated finish if required, meaning it will stand the test of time.

Snowdon Semi Vertical Cycle Rack:  simple to install and to order (you can order online from the product page, where you simply order ‘per bike’, meaning there are no hidden charges). As the bikes are stored semi-vertically, it saves space and has a smaller footprint to other bike storage options.

Final thoughts

As universities constantly look for ways to provide a better learning environment and overall experience for students and teachers alike, part of this process involves upgrading cycle parking on campus sites.

Competition puts pressure on higher education to deliver value, and universities should consider how they adapt their campuses to offer better cycle parking, as part of an overall more positive attitude towards cycle in the community.

If you are working on a university project that requires cycle parking, our team here at Street Furniture Direct can help. We work with sub-contractors and contractors of all sizes and disciplines across the UK, helping them to source and install cycle parking on university projects, as well as other environments such as office developments, apartment blocks, town/city centres and retail outlets.

Our team here at Street Furniture Direct are dedicated to making your life easier. We really are here to add value to your project and take the pressure away from you. We have the products, technical know-how and passion to help you get the job done quickly.

Contact us today on telephone 01625 879 442
or email enquiries@streetfurnituredirect.co.uk Or head straight to our selection of cycle parking collection https://www.streetfurnituredirect.co.uk/products/cycle-parking