Facilities such as bicycle parking and bike storage are important means of providing security and convenience for cyclists at destinations. Although one might come across areas in which bicycles are regularly locked to trees and posts, effective bike storage calls for properly designed racks in appropriate locations, in order to relieve the minds of cyclists that their bikes are safe in the bike storage area. The following factors should be considered before building a bicycle storage facility:


There are many varieties and types of bicycle racks and lockers available out there as bike storage. While some types maybe suitable for certain situations, others may not; some designs, on the other had may be unsuitable anywhere. Two broad categories of bicycle parking requirements can be identified as follows:
- Class II or short-term bike storage or parking is required in instances where the bike would be left unattended for a short spell of time. Short-term bike storage or parking calls for a high degree of convenience in terms of location, since the cyclists would require the bike storage or parking facility to be as close to the destination as possible. It is desirable that even these short-term bike storage/ parking areas be protected from weather.
- Class I or long-term bike storage or parking is required when the bicycles would be left in the bike storage facility for longer spells. This type of bike storage calls for a high degree of security and weather protection as well as well-designed racks which will protect the bike storage areas with restricted access.

A visible location is preferred in both Class I & II types of bike storage or parking. By being highly visible, the cyclist is able to spot the bike storage area as soon as he arrives from the street. A visible bike storage location is also a deterrent for bike thieves.

In order to avoid theft and vandalism, bicycle racks and lockers should be well anchored to the ground in the bike storage area. Another requirement to ensure the security of the bicycle and its user is adequate lighting and surveillance in the bike storage facility.

Although it is acceptable that certain short-term bike storage/ parking areas are unprotected since bicycle usage has a significant increase during fair weather, it is essential that at least a portion of the bike storage facility provides shelter and protection from weather. The weather protection could be an existing overhang or covered walkway, a weatherproof bicycle locker, a special covering or an indoor storage area within the main bike storage facility.

When placing racks within the bike storage area, it should be kept in mind that they should not block access to building entrances or fire hydrants. Adequate clearance should also be provided within the bike storage area around the racks to afford cyclists sufficient room to maneuver their bikes; sufficient space would also minimize conflicts with pedestrians and parked cars.