Requirement

New cycle storage facilities were required for the Bristol Temple Meads train station on Friary. The new racks were to replace cycle storage from inside the station where they had to be removed due to upcoming roof refurbishment work, and for station security. The new facility would house just over 450 bikes, matching the capacity from inside station platforms.

Jon Turton, Network Rail, Project Manager, said: “We understand?how much cyclists value the convenience of the cycle storage facilities that are available at the station and we wanted to provide the best possible experience for passengers by making sure the new cycle storage was user friendly and easily accessible.

Solution

10 bays of Cyclepods' Easylift Premium two-tier bike racks were installed, which are signposted A-J to help remind users which bay they have parked their bike in. Each bay has at least one dedicated CCTV camera and lighting strip, with PIR motion sensors to automatically light up when they sense movement, so users can feel safe and secure at any time of the day, all year round.

The racks are covered by Cyclepods specially designed Brighton two-tier shelter, specifically for the Easylift two-tier racks to curve with the arc of the upper tier when loading and unloading and providing ample height for all types of bikes. The Brighton shelters the bikes in both tiers as much as possible whilst maintaining clear and open lines of sights for better security. The curved roof also stops leaves and debris from gathering on top and becoming unsightly, so is easier to maintain and keep looking attractive.

Security was carefully considered in the provision of the new racks which are sited next to a main public thoroughfare, making the area open to constant foot traffic. As well as the CCTV and PIR lighting security measures, the racks are regularly patrolled by British Transport Police.

Each cycle parking space in the racks has three locking points so cyclists can lock both of their bike wheels and the frame, in line with advice from British Transport Police who recommend using at least two locks to secure at least the back wheel and the frame of a bike to keep it safe.

Key benefits of Easylift Premium cycle racks

Gas-assist lift means users don’t have to lift the full weight of their bikes, only the front wheel so cyclists of all ages and abilities can use the upper tier. Top tier racks can take the weight of up to a 23kg bicycle.

Wide space troughs for each bike which accommodates up to a 50mm width tyre, with head height for up to a 139cm tall bike on the upper tier and 120cm bike on the lower tier. Each bike is held separately and securely in their own trough to stop bikes knocking into each other or getting tangled together.

Generous spacing of the racks allows for pannier racks on bikes without taking up space for other bikes.

Low loading height means users only have to lift the front of their bike 31cm in order to get the front wheel into the rack and can then roll the rest of the bike up into place.

Three locking points are available per space, one for each wheel and another locking point in the middle for the bike frame.

Plastic grip handles for a better grip and for easy use all year round, metal handles get cold in winter.

Easy glide casters on the top racks for smooth and quiet operation.