Bike Racks: Why Every Workplace Should Provide Secure Cycle Storage

We’re probably all aware of the potential benefits of cycling to work. It’s been promoted and encouraged for many years now, and it’s had a noticeable effect. The proportion of people using a bike to work grew in the early part of this century, from just above 4 per cent in 2011, to around seven per cent in 2015, to just under nine per cent in 2020. Like many things, the pandemic and lockdowns of that year disrupted this trend, with cycling soaring in popularity, then going into something of a slump. But the data suggests that, overall, commuting by bike has hit something of a ceiling. It’s very hard to convince more than about eight per cent of commuters to travel even part of the way by bike.

Some areas and cities do better than that – Edinburgh just about gets into double figures, and nearly 140,000 people cycle into the City of London each day. But surveys show that, in general, people need a lot more convincing to trade four wheels for two. Survey after survey shows that UK workers overwhelmingly recognise the benefits of cycling – from physical health and mental wellbeing to saving money and cutting carbon emissions – there are consistent things putting them off from making the switch.

One of these things is the lack of secure and suitable storage for bikes at the workplace. In one survey, this was the number three point raised, just behind better cycling infrastructure and the availability of a cycle-to-work scheme. And other responses indicate that using e-bikes – bikes with motorised assistance – can be key to unlocking higher levels of bike use among commuters. But e-bikes are more expensive and more likely to be targeted by thieves than standard bikes. So, safe and secure cycle storage at a workplace to enable e-bikes to be stored with peace of mind can be the thing that tips the balance.

Commercial bike racks shouldn’t just be an afterthought or relegated to the ‘nice to have’ pile. They can yield real benefits to your employees, which also produces a happier, healthier team at your workplace. Let’s see exactly why and how.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits for Employees

Encouraging staff to cycle to and from work can have a remarkable impact on health and wellbeing. The average UK bike commute is just five miles, representing about half an hour of leisurely riding each way, but even this can have significant health benefits. It not only burns calories and boosts your heart rate while you’re cycling, but it’s proven to raise your metabolism for hours afterwards – even when you’re sitting at a desk.

Compared to people who never cycle, the coronary fitness of regular cyclists has been found to be equivalent to that of someone ten years younger. Even light regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It’s also a proven stress-reliever, reduces anxiety, encourages mindfulness and can be the start of a new social scene and friendships. Unlike going to a gym or making time for a run before or after work, cycling to work fits seamlessly into your daily routine, getting you your daily exercise as part of your commute.

When employees feel healthier, they are generally more energised, more productive and take fewer sick days – 15 per cent fewer, by one study. By providing a secure office bike rack, employers actively support healthier lifestyles and demonstrate that they care about the wellbeing of their workforce. This not only boosts morale but can also improve long-term employee retention.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

It’s hard to find a more sustainable mode of transport than cycling. Not only does it produce zero emissions itself, but by switching to a bike from a car, your employees are also stopping those emissions going into the atmosphere.

Modern businesses are expected to demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Employees cycling to work helps lower an organisation’s carbon footprint, and installing bike racks for office buildings is both an effective way of encouraging cycling as well as a visible sign of this commitment. A modern, secure and capacious bike storage rack in a car park or outside an office is effectively a billboard promoting a company’s environmental credentials – all the more so if it’s clearly well-used.

For employees who care about the environment, this small but meaningful investment from their employer can strengthen loyalty and pride in their workplace. It can be a small but vital part in recruitment and retention, as well as fostering a happier and more engaged culture in the workplace.

Security and the Duty of Care

Multiple surveys show that fear of theft or damage to their bikes is one of the biggest things putting people off switching to a cycle commute. A high-quality bike rack for business use provides the secure storage that cyclists need to feel confident leaving their bikes at work.

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, and this extends to secure cycle storage. Reliable commercial bike rack installation gives staff peace of mind, ensuring that their property is protected while they work. By meeting this need, businesses demonstrate not only a duty of care but also respect for their employees’ choices and lifestyles.

Business Advantages of Supporting Cycling

A secure office bike rack isn’t just a convenience for your employees. It can be part of creating a culture of wellbeing, sustainability and forward-thinking values. By removing one of the main concerns people have about relying on a bike, you’ll be encouraging cycling to work. As the evidence shows, staff who bike to work are less stressed, healthier and often more engaged in their roles. They’re even more punctual, since bikes can’t get stuck in traffic jams as cars do. Businesses may also find that supporting cycling helps attract talent, particularly younger professionals who place a high value on health and environmental responsibility.

Additionally, the cost of commercial bike racks is relatively low compared to the expense of car parking spaces, company vehicles or staff health initiatives. The return on investment is significant, both in financial and cultural terms. Cycle storage really is one of the simplest and most effective workplace improvements.

Creating a Workplace That Moves Forward

Cycling to work is here to stay, and the businesses that adapt will benefit most. Secure and well-designed cycle storage encourages healthier lifestyles, supports sustainability, reduces parking costs and reassures staff that their property is safe.

By choosing Bison Products for commercial bike rack installation, workplaces can ensure they are providing durable, high-quality solutions that meet modern needs. We have a wide range of suitable bike storage rack designs, from a single-bike dock to large bike racks for office buildings. Browse our range of bike racks, and always feel welcome to contact us for more information or if you have questions.