Hospitals, medical centers and healthcare facilities are recognizing the value of offering ample, safe, and secure bike parking and storage for staff, patients, members and visitors. Providing convenient, cost-efficient bicycle parking solutions helps to reduce demand on onsite vehicle parking spaces and frees up space for additional end-of-trip employee amenities. Many large healthcare facilities complement bicycle parking with other employee amenities that promote cycling to work, such as showers and changing rooms.
As part of their commitment to sustainability and active travel, NHS Lanarkshire recently installed new, secure, cycle parking at many of their community and administrative sites. In addition to their existing toast racks and butterfly wall racks they also invested in a range of CycleSafe’s two-tier storage and semi-vertical storage. Both of these designs allow for a significant increase in capacity over what was possible with their original facilities without significantly increasing overall footprint.
Bike racks and shelters provide weather-protected, well-lit bicycle parking for 4 to 10 bikes per unit. Contoured, compression-molded tops facilitate runoff and heavy-gauge steel tubing supports frames with protective polyester powder coat finishes. Optional mesh, Plexiglas or wire panels protect bikes from vandalism and theft while allowing for custom branding and messaging.
A secure indoor bike shelter is a big win for the staff of Sault Area Hospital who now have a dedicated place to park their bikes 24/7. The hospital caught a lucky break when they were able to work the construction of their new facility into the facade repairs of their main building. They now have a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing 10 Cycle Prestige Shelter and can welcome their staff back to work this week.
Installing bike shelters at hospitals is a great way to encourage cycling among staff, patients, and visitors while providing secure storage for bicycles. Here are steps to consider for hospital bike shelter installations
Assessment and Planning: Evaluate the hospital premises to identify suitable locations for bike shelters. Consider proximity to entrances, visibility, accessibility, and available space.
Design Selection: Choose a bike shelter design that complements the hospital’s architecture and accommodates the expected number of bicycles. Options include simple racks under a canopy or more enclosed shelters for added security.Permits and Regulations: Check local regulations and obtain necessary permits or permissions for the installation of bike shelters. Ensure compliance with building codes and zoning laws.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engage with hospital administration, facilities management, and cycling advocates to gain support and gather input for the installation project.
Vendor Selection: Research and select a reliable vendor or contractor experienced in installing bike shelters. Consider factors like durability, security features, and cost-effectiveness.Installation and Security Measures: Ensure proper anchoring and installation of the bike shelters to prevent theft or vandalism. Implement security features like CCTV cameras or lighting in the area.Promotion and Education: Promote the availability of bike shelters through hospital communication channels. Provide information on using the shelters, bike safety, and benefits of cycling for health and the environment.Maintenance and Upkeep: Establish a maintenance schedule to regularly inspect and clean the bike shelters. Address any repairs or maintenance needs promptly to ensure they remain functional and secure.Feedback and Improvement: Gather feedback from users to identify areas for improvement. This feedback can help enhance the shelters’ usability and security.By implementing these steps, hospitals can create convenient, safe, and accessible bike shelters, encouraging a healthier and more sustainable transportation option for everyone visiting or working at the facility.