With many commuters favouring bikes over motorised transport, catering to active travellers will pedal your development into the future…
Firstly, what is active travel? Active travel is essentially people-powered transport. If it involves active mobility or physical exercise like walking or cycling, then it’s considered active travel.
With the UK working towards net zero carbon emissions and many commuters favouring bikes over motorised transport, it’s important to prioritise active travel which will enhance new and existing developments into the future.
That’s where The Bike Storage Company comes in. We provide high-quality, design-led cycle storage to add value, client satisfaction and sustainability to urban developments. In this blog, we’ll dive into why it’s necessary to prioritise active travel facilities into your building plans.
The Rise of Active Travel
Bikes are taking centre stage. Transport for London (TfL) reported a 43% increase in daily cycle journeys since 2019. We’re even seeing a rise in e-bike sales, highlighting the demand for more eco-friendly options. There’s a shift in behaviour with more people choosing to walk or cycle for their everyday trips, due to healthier lifestyle habits and cost of living. This recent TfL press release stresses the importance to prioritise active travel through purposeful design.
Driven by these changing habits, developers are moving beyond traditional transport models to focus on active travellers as a primary target audience. Catering to their needs to build greener cities, and happier and healthier communities.
Here’s how modern bike storage encourages eco-friendly commuting.
Semi Vertical Amazon Eco Shelter
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Choosing the Right Bike Rack for Commercial Developments
Specifying the correct commercial bike rack is fundamental to delivering secure, compliant and future-proof cycle infrastructure. In high-traffic residential, office and mixed-use developments, durability and long-term performance are just as important as visual integration. A poorly specified rack can undermine security, reduce usability, and ultimately discourage active travel.
Commercial environments demand robust materials such as hot-dipped galvanised steel, secure frame-and-wheel locking points and layouts that maximise capacity without compromising accessibility. From Sheffield stands and Toastrack racks to high-density two-tier systems, the right solution depends on projected usage, available footprint and compliance requirements such as BREEAM and local authority guidance.
Equally important is design consistency. A commercial bike rack should complement its architectural surroundings while meeting stringent safety standards. Powder-coated finishes, modular expansion options and integrated shelters all contribute to a cohesive, design-led scheme that supports ESG goals and enhances overall development value.
When specified correctly, commercial bike racks become more than infrastructure; they are a visible commitment to sustainable transport, resident wellbeing and long-term urban resilience.
The Commercial Value of Prioritising Active Travel
If done right, active travel facilities can add value to your development in countless ways. A handful of the most common outcomes include:
Property Value
Amenities that are built to last and prioritise active travel increase the monetary value of residential or commercial developments. Whether it’s a bespoke outdoor cycle shelter, sleek semi-vertical bike rack for indoor use, or even highly secure bike lockers, it’s these thoughtful details that add extra value.
BREEAM Compliance
All of our products are compatible with BREEAM and the Sustainable Homes accreditation. Not to mention, our bike storage is proudly Made in Britain, making us a go-to partner for housing developments or sustainable urban offices looking to lower their carbon footprint with secure bike storage.
ESG Reporting
As you will know, ESG reporting is mandatory in the UK for any large firm, including property development companies. With ever tighter regulations, it’s becoming essential for small, private developers to do an ESG report to attract investor demand and to fuel green growth. Additionally, investing in active travel shows your commitment to your natural world and the environment. In turn, this can boost your ESG rating and build your brand reputation.
Market Appeal
Boost the appeal of your development with design-led, innovative bike storage that residents or employees want to use. Functionality, usability, accessibility and design can all increase market appeal to a wider demographic.
For example, we installed secure, high-capacity cycle storage in Deanston Wharf, London to cater for 769 homes. As part of the development’s commitment to sustainability and to encourage residents and visitors to embrace cycling, we were trusted to deliver a seamless installation for this dynamic community hub. The result? An improved resident day-to-day experience while widening the demographic of potential buyers.
Learn more about about the impact of secure bike storage on property value.
Deanston Wharf, London
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Active Travel is Where Design Meets Function
These days design is just as important as function. If you’re planning a development, complement it with active travel solutions that match your aesthetic without compromising function. That way, there’s an invisible design thread running throughout your space.
The key to great design? Firstly, it’s a necessity to prioritise active travel facilities early in the conceptualisation stage of your development, and not as an afterthought. One of the benefits of partnering with The Bike Storage Company is that we collaborate with you from concept to completion, offering a bespoke service that’s tailored to your site requirements.
Just take a look at what we achieved at Queens Quay, Bristol. To ensure we delivered on the project, we designed a clean, sustainable aesthetic for a fully integrated bike storage and end-of-trip solution, to complement the light-filled interiors and open plan layout.
The benefit of an early-stage consultation with The Bike Storage Company ensures that our clients are aware of all our add-ons from the get-go, to avoid any last-minute changes that might compromise on design. For example, we can incorporate natural elements into your bike shelter, from Sedum Green Roofing to Habitat Panels, helping to bring in earthy, natural tones while boosting biodiversity.
Our in-house design team work with architects to create a solution that ensures high-quality, durability, security and design consistency, all while making the best use of your space. From the measurements and materials to final finishes, our job is to meet the architects’ vision.
Read more about turning essential infrastructure into architecture.
What is Sedum Roofing? Contact Us
Meet BREEAM Standards with Active Travel
BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for buildings and infrastructure. As a body, it awards based on your BREEAM compliance, so it’s essential to meet high standards as a developer.
Prioritising active travel is crucial here because BREEAM awards points for promoting walking, cycling and public transport use, as well as sustainability across your development and what you’re doing to work towards net-zero. It also considered how you’re enhancing biodiversity and increasing the health and wellbeing of people using the facilities. With secure and sustainable bike storage, provided by a BREEAM accredited company, like us, you can confidently raise your score.
Work with The Bike Storage Company?
Are you interested in working with us? We also offer:
- In-house manufacturing and quality control
- In-house design team and site visits
- CAD and Revit integration
- Nationwide installation and maintenance of our bike storage
Ready to steer your development to new heights? Prioritise active travel with design-led bike storage solutions that embodies sustainability, function and stunning design. Get in touch with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Active Travel and Why Does It Matter for Developers?
Active travel refers to people-powered transport – primarily walking and cycling. For developers, prioritising active travel infrastructure is increasingly a planning requirement, a BREEAM obligation and a commercial differentiator. Transport for London reported a 43% increase in daily cycling journeys since 2019, reflecting a sustained shift in commuter behaviour that new developments must accommodate to remain relevant and compliant.
How Does Active Travel Infrastructure Improve BREEAM Scores?
BREEAM awards credits under its Transport category for developments that promote active travel and reduce car dependency. Secure, covered, accessible cycle parking that meets LTN 1/20 standards contributes directly to Tra 03 credits. Additional features such as end-of-trip facilities, e-bike charging points, sedum roofs and biodiversity-enhancing habitat panels can further strengthen a scheme’s overall BREEAM score.
How Does Cycle Storage Support ESG Reporting for Developers?
ESG reporting for property developers is increasingly tied to measurable sustainability outcomes. Providing high-quality, BREEAM-compliant cycle storage demonstrates a commitment to sustainable transport, reduces scope 3 emissions associated with commuting, and supports wellbeing credentials. All The Bike Storage Company products are Made in Britain and BREEAM accredited, providing the documentation needed to support ESG disclosures.
What Bike Storage Should Be Specified for Large Residential Developments?
Large residential developments typically require a combination of secure communal cycle stores — fitted with two tier racks for maximum density — accessible Sheffield stands for ground-level provision, and covered external shelters for short-stay and visitor parking. Where e-bike ownership is anticipated, charging-enabled racks or shelters should be included. The Bike Storage Company provides complimentary layout drawings for residential schemes of any scale.
Why Should Active Travel Be Considered Early in the Design Process?
Specifying active travel infrastructure early ensures it is integrated coherently into the development’s design rather than retrofitted. Early collaboration with The Bike Storage Company allows cycle storage, end-of-trip facilities and related infrastructure to be fully coordinated with architectural drawings, BREEAM strategy and planning submissions — avoiding costly late-stage changes and delivering a more considered result for both landlords and end users.
