What Makes Cycle Parking BREEAM Compliant?

For cycle storage facilities to qualify as BREEAM compliant, they must do more than just provide somewhere to leave a bike. The design, location and quality of the facilities are all assessed, ensuring they actively encourage cycling and support sustainable transport. Under BREEAM 2011 standards, compliant cycle parking must meet the following requirements:

 

Minimum Capacity

• A minimum of four compliant cycle storage spaces must be provided, even if the calculated requirement is lower.
• Where relevant, provision should be based on one space per user (staff and other user groups) to ensure accessibility for all.
• This ensures there is always adequate space to encourage cycling, even for smaller sites.

 

Weather Protection

• All cycle parking must be covered overhead to protect bicycles from rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
• Sheltered parking not only preserves bike condition but also encourages users to cycle throughout the year.

 

Security

• Bicycles must be secured in racks that are fixed to a permanent structure or hardstanding.
• Acceptable alternatives include lockable structures such as secure compounds or shelters equipped with CCTV surveillance.
• This provides confidence to users that their bikes will remain safe, reducing theft and vandalism risks.

 

Accessibility

• Cycle racks must be spaced appropriately so that bikes can be stored and removed without difficulty.
• Sufficient clearance between racks, and between racks and nearby obstructions (e.g. walls, fences), is essential for ease of use.
• Facilities should cater for different bike types, including larger or adapted bicycles, to ensure inclusivity.

 

Visibility

• To encourage use, cycle storage must be positioned in a prominent, visible location, ideally overlooked by an occupied building or main entrance.
• For facilities located indoors, clear and prominent signage must direct users to their location.
• Being visible also acts as a deterrent to theft and misuse.

 

Lighting

• Lighting must comply with the BREEAM Hea 01 Visual Comfort standard.
• Facilities should be well-lit to support safe use during darker hours.
• Controls should prevent lights from operating unnecessarily during daylight or out-of-hours periods, ensuring energy efficiency.

 

Proximity

• Cycle storage should be located within 100 metres of a building entrance, with 50 metres considered best practice.
• On larger sites such as business parks, campuses, or hospitals, where this may not be possible, the facilities must still be positioned in an easily accessible location that is practical for daily use.

 

Our current BREEAM compliant range: