Bike Parking Guidance
The SoMo guide to bike parking - how to design infrastructure that people use, and cities can actually deliver.
Introduction
The way we move through cities is changing—and infrastructure needs to keep up. This guidance is designed to support local authorities, developers, and delivery partners in creating cycle parking facilities that are inclusive, practical, and ready for the future of soft mobility.
Whether you're retrofitting a town centre or planning for a new development, good bike parking is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to enable active travel. But it’s only effective when designed for real use, not just policy compliance.
"Facilities originally designed for standard road bikes no longer meet the needs of this broader, more diverse user base"
Evolving Trends in Bike Parking
Over the past decade, the types of bikes—and riders—using urban infrastructure have changed significantly. Today’s cyclists include:
Families using cargo bikes
Workers commuting on heavy e-bikes
Delivery riders using shared mobility
Casual users on folding or adaptive bikes
Facilities originally designed for standard road bikes no longer meet the needs of this broader, more diverse user base. Double-stack racks, tight spacing, and wall-mounted designs often exclude or frustrate users with non-standard bikes.
Modern infrastructure must account for:
Larger bike frames and wider tyres
More variable trip durations (from 10 minutes to overnight)
A growing mix of users, abilities, and travel purposes
What makes good bike parking?
To be effective, bike parking must be:
Inclusive
Facilities should accommodate a variety of bike types—cargo, e-bike, folding—and be usable by all riders. Horizontal Sheffield stands remain one of the most flexible and accessible solutions.
Properly Spaced
It's not the number of spaces you have, it's how you use them. Overcrowded racks, especially against walls, quickly become redundant. Aim for generous spacing between stands, and position them in well-lit, visible areas.
Secure
Security is about more than locks. Locations should be overlooked, well-lit, and—where possible—offer enclosed or monitored options. Where public or private demand is higher, managed access models (e.g. app-controlled lockers) are worth considering.
"It's not the number of spaces you have, it's how you use them"
Maintainable
It’s easy to fund installation. But the real test is what happens after year one. Good facilities are designed to be simple to clean, inspect, and repair. The most-used infrastructure is the kind that actually works.
Smart (where appropriate)
Technology should enhance—not complicate—the experience. Digital tools that let users check availability, book spaces, or report issues can improve outcomes for both users and operators.
Case in point: SoMo’s partner company, Spokesafe, operates smart lockers and booking tools used across UK towns and cities. That data feeds directly into planning, helping cities build infrastructure based on real need—not guesswork.
Deliverable and realistic
Good infrastructure isn't theoretical. It's buildable, fundable, and maintainable by the teams that will run it. Do not over complicate it.
Common Pitfalls to avoid
Over-reliance on vertical or classic double decker racks.
While they might be popular in office settings, vertical racks can be harder to use and put first timers off. And while the double decker racks are a mainstay in Dutch cycle parking facilities, they had their "moment" decades ago. To maximise your facility design, build it around Sheffield stands & wider spaced based. Those with road bikes will be just as happy to use them.
No planning for cleaning, maintenance or user support
Would you park your car in a messy, not looked after environment which was hard to book? No? Then don't expect your cyclists to do the same. Plan for the management of a facility from day one.
Lack of lighting, visibility or security features
Likewise from above, cycle parking is more than just about the racks themselves. Make your facility welcoming, and think about you will manage secure access to the facility, to ensure it actually gets used.
"Ultimately, cyclists just want to drop off their bike securely & get on with their day"
Overcomplicating
It’s very easy to get carried away and think your facility needs a full suite of fancy add-ons. Ultimately, cyclists just want to drop off their bike securely & get on with their day. Keep your facility easy to find, access & use, and you'll get plenty of usage.
Practical Recommendations
Use horizontal racks as a default
Build in space for growth (e.g. cargo bike spaces, charging, future demand)
Include a basic management plan - even for public space installs.
Use a low-cost community engagement tool to understand need.
Case in point: Our bike parking planner tool is an excellent resource to get your local community thinking, and sharing, exactly where they will need bike parking.
"Use a low-cost community engagement tool to understand need"
Tech & data: Beyond reports
Real-time insight makes better planning possible.
Understand when and how facilities are used. Who is parking there? What time of day do they park? What type of bike? What rack do they use? And most importantly, what is the trend? "
Identify demand hotspots - what locations are seeing more usage, and why.
Track changes over time
[INSERT Screenshot of Spokesafe_OS]
These insights help justify future funding, identify problems in advance, and keep your infrastructure working well.
Design with people in mind
Engage early with:
Local cycling campaign groups
Disabled cyclists, and family riders
Maintainence teams and contractors who are integral to the success of a facility.
"When people are involved from the start, the final scheme is better used and more supported"
Keep it simple.
Not every scheme needs lockers, charging and repair. Sometimes the best solution is just a few well-placed Sheffield stands in a safe, visible location.
Get your facility installed, well used and demonstrate demand for additional facilities exists.
Want to talk it through?
If you're planning to start a new scheme, or updating an existing one, SoMo Studio can help.
We combine operational insight, user engagement tools, and practical design expertise to help councils and partners build soft mobility infrastructure that works - for today and tomorrow.
Reach out to start a conversation