A closer look on … bicycle stands!

Things to keep in mind before buying bicycle stands

When it comes to equipping public areas, there are several things to consider. As street furniture professionals, we know what is involved. We want to share this knowledge with you. Read part four of our mini-series to learn what to look for when you are purchasing bicycle stands.

In times of overcrowded inner cities, traffic jams, and the eternal search for a parking spot, more and more people are switching to bicycles. Today, for many they are a popular and – thanks to e-bikes – comfortable transportation mode. This makes it all the more important to have secure parking facilities for bicycles, a task that local authorities and cities have to face. Read this guide to learn what to look for when purchasing bicycle stands.

Bicycle stands – a reasonable investment

Bicycle stands have become an integral part of any cityscape. In front of residential complexes, train stations, universities, schools, swimming pools, shopping centers or fairgrounds, bicycle storage facilities have become indispensable. Even at temporary events like markets or fairs there is no getting around an adequate storage space for bicycles. Reason enough to give it some thought.

Selection criteria for bicycle stands

For issues relating to cycling, the “Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrrad-Club” (ADFC, General German Bicycle Club) has always proven to be the right partner. Based on its recommendations and years of experience, we have compiled a list of the most important selection criteria.

• Safe storage: Bicycle parking systems have to be designed in a way that a bike cannot tip over or roll away. A safe, stable construction is therefore the key to choosing a bicycle stand.
• Anti-theft: Bicycles should be easy to secure to the stand. For safety reasons, it is advisable to be able to secure the bike both on the front and the rear wheel as well as on the frame.
• Careful storage: Especially for e-bikes and other expensive bicycles it is important that they have as little contact surface as possible with the stand, as this minimizes scratches or other traces of wear.
• Saving space: To accommodate as many bikes as possible, a bicycle stand should not be too large. Nevertheless, make sure that it is clearly marked, for example with appropriate lighting. Some stands are so inconspicuous that they rapidly become a tripping hazard, especially at night.
• Protection against damage: The selected bicycle stand has to be robust and of top quality. Only then it can withstand possible damage or acts of vandalism and will last longer outdoors.
• Stability: When choosing the adequate bicycle stand, it is also important to get the right anchoring. Depending on the subsoil, there are various ways to anchor the stand to the ground (see below).
• Design: Bicycle stands have to meet many requirements, not only in their function but also visually, as this variant, that has been given the Red Dot Design Award for its extraordinary design, is proving.

This is why galvanized or powder-coated steel and stainless steel are the means of choice. These materials are not only robust and long-lasting, but thanks to their modern design and their many assembly options they also fit perfectly into almost any surrounding. Depending on the location, superstructures or bicycle garages can also a be nice design element.

There’s more than one way to park a bike – the multiple variants of bicycle stands

Bicycle stands are available in a variety of designs. Simple stands where the front wheel is placed in a holder, U-racks where the bikes can be leaned against the street furniture, mobile installations, bicycle boxes, grid racks, and many other variants – the possibilities are almost endless:

• Single stands: Fixed in concrete on one or both sides. In some cases, single stands can also be secured with anchor bolts. However, their design has to be taken into account: if they have a protrusion, bolt anchors are not recommended. The stands could be pulled out of the ground too easily, for example by playing children. Single stands are particularly suited for locations with little space or where bicycle traffic is limited, for example in front of official buildings.
• Row installations: Fixed to the ground by anchor screws, often but not imperatively on two sides on parallel rails. Row systems are perfectly suited for supermarkets, swimming pools, and other areas with a lot of public traffic.
• Temporary stand: Given there is sufficient stability, one or multiple mobile stands can easily be set up. This is particularly recommended for temporary functions such as markets or public events.
• Bike lift: This very modern fastening variant allows the mounting in cellars or garages. The bikes are mounted vertically on the wall and lowered when needed.
• Grid racks: A certain amount of caution is required with the popular grid racks, as they may cause damage to the rims.

You can find more inspiration on the topic of bicycle parking and detailed advice in the ABES online shop.