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What Architects Should Look for When Specifying Two-Tier Bike Racks

two tier bike rack in a large parking

When it comes to designing buildings that support sustainable travel and modern workplace wellbeing, bike storage is no longer just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a key part of the plan. Sustainability and efforts to include it in building design and then the actual life of the development afterwards are slowly becoming the norm and are being expected by tenants, employees and investors. For architects, this means specifying the right storage solutions and designing with cycling and active travel amenities in mind. Here is where our, beloved by clients all across the UK, two-tier bike racks come to the rescue with all their features, benefits and green cred.

Whether you’re working on an office complex, residential development, or a transport hub, here’s our short and practical guide to help you choose racks that are user-friendly, compliant with key standards, and flexible enough to suit your project’s unique design and layout.

Two-tier bike racks are ideal when you want to maximise storage in a compact area. They’re also your new best friend when you’re looking for a solution for a large area with high traffic and storage needs. Our racks are designed to save you space and let users fit two bikes in the space of one.

This works so well because of their design, size and easy modular expansion. The rack’s centre-to-centre distance is 375mm, which means bikes are densely stored without any handlebars clashing. The racks are also easily extendable, allowing for indefinite growth as demand increases, providing a clear option for the future.

To make the best out of your space without compromising accessibility or ease of use, when exploring your options, pay attention to a few measurements:


Minimum Requirements:

Height: 2400mm

Depth: 1950mm

Entrance space: 1500mm

If you can afford more space, it is always a good idea to do so, as it will improve accessibility and make it more comfortable for cyclists to navigate around the area. You can read more about it in our Two-Tier Bicycle Rack Dimensions: Everything You Need to Know blog.

Meet Compliance and Sustainability Standards

A well-chosen rack doesn’t just save space—it can also support sustainability goals and accreditation targets, which are now often on developers’ minds. There are different voluntary schemes which projects aim for, and the right cycling storage can contribute to credits, so keep that in mind when specifying your bike storage products.

For example, our two-tier racks can contribute to ENE8 Cycle Storage Credits under the Code for Sustainable Homes. They can also help you towards your BREEAM or LEED certification. BREEAM’s Transport section offers up to 9 credits in total, with two credits specifically dedicated to supporting cyclists. You can earn 1 credit simply by having bike storage that meets BREEAM standards, and an additional bonus credit is available if you take it a step further and provide cyclist-friendly extras, such as showers, lockers, or changing rooms. It’s BREEAM’s way of rewarding buildings that make cycling to work a practical and appealing option.

Saying this, however, you do need to keep in mind that no racks are inherently BREEAM compliant, and the assessors are looking for adequacy, quality, and security of your whole set-up overall, not just the racks. However, the thing about two-tier racks is that they are designed with security in mind – they are made of strong steel and have multiple locking points. They are also very accessible and easy to use due to their gas-strut mechanism, which makes lowering and raising even the top tier effortless. And last but not least, they let you build large capacity pretty easily, which is one of the things assessors want – enough space for occupants of the building.

Prioritise Ease of Use, Safety and Compatibility

When drawing up plans for bike storage, ease of use and safety should be at the forefront. So, when looking for a good bike rack, you need to assess how simple it is for people to use, regardless of age or ability. Ideally, you should specify racks that have some essential features.

Easy-lift gas strut is the top one that comes to mind. It’s a wonderful little mechanism that makes our racks so popular. It reduces the force needed to lift a bike to the upper tier, supporting health and safety standards and making sure even people who aren’t able to lift their bikes can use both tiers.

The next one to look out for is sloping wheel channels on the lower tier. Our racks are built that way to make it easier to wheel bikes in and out without bending awkwardly. They also feature stabilising locking bars, which hold the bike securely when it is stored. These design elements matter for inclusivity and everyday usability.

When specifying bike racks for a project, especially one that isn’t a retrofit, it might be harder to figure out what kind of bikes will be parked there. To cover most of your bases, look for racks that work with a wide range of bicycle types and user needs. Our two-tier racks are specially built to easily take on regular bikes, mountain bikes and even BMX types. Choosing a versatile system helps future-proof your design and support a diverse group of users.

Choose Finishes That Match Your Design Vision

Bike racks don’t have to stick out like a sore thumb. With the right finish, they can actually complement your design and feel like a natural part of the space. When specifying two-tier racks, look for options that come galvanised as standard, which is a great choice if you’re after something tough and long-lasting—especially for outdoor areas or places that get a lot of use.

If you want to take things a step further, look for options that can be powder-coated in any RAL colour (on the non-moving parts). This gives you loads of flexibility to match the racks to your building’s materials, your client’s brand colours, or even just to help with wayfinding. It’s a simple way to keep everything looking cohesive—whether your style is clean and contemporary, bold and eye-catching, or more pared-back and practical.

Consider Access and Flow

Good bike storage isn’t just about where the bikes go – it’s also about how easily people can get to and use the space. You’ll want to ensure there’s plenty of room to move around, with at least 1,500 mm of entrance space, so cyclists can wheel their bikes in and out without any awkward squeezing or bumping into things. If the bike store is enclosed, decent lighting and ventilation go a long way in making it feel safe and comfortable to use. It’s also worth thinking about simple wayfinding – clear signs and directions that show people where to go. When the whole experience is smooth and easy, people are much more likely to actually use the space and feel good about doing so.

Specifying the right two-tier bike rack isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating spaces that are practical, welcoming, and future-ready. From meeting building regulations to achieving sustainability targets and improving the everyday lives of cyclists, the details matter. As an architect, when you get the bike storage right, you’re helping shape a greener, more inclusive and user-centred built environment—one ride at a time.

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