Cycle parking for everyone: A guide to inclusive design

For many cyclists, finding a safe place to park is a minor inconvenience. But for users of non-standard cycles - such as tricycles, handcycles, and cargo bikes - poorly designed parking can make everyday journeys frustrating or even impossible. Wheels for Wellbeing, a leading disability cycling charity, has updated its guidance on how to make cycle parking work for as many people as possible.

According to the report, much existing cycle parking has good elements, but very little of it is fully accessible. There’s no single parking design that works for every person or every cycle in every location. However, improvements can make cycle parking work for more people by taking into account:

• The need for extra space to manoeuvre larger cycles
• Secure locking points at appropriate heights and positions
• Clear marking and designation of spaces for non-standard cycles and disabled cyclists
• Step-free access, smooth surfaces, and good lighting

Location, location, location

Where cycle parking is placed is just as important as how it is designed:

• On-street, not footways – Cycle parking should be on the carriageway to avoid cluttering pedestrian space. If it must be placed on the footway, it should not obstruct dropped kerbs, crossings, or desire lines.
• Close to entrances – Disabled cycle parking should be no further from entrances than disabled car parking. Ideally, this is within 50m of destinations.
• Safe and well-lit – Good lighting, sight lines, and 'natural surveillance' ensure people feel safe using the parking day and night.
• Level access – Parking should be step-free, with smooth, non-slip surfaces to accommodate those using cycles as mobility aids.

More spaces, greater accessibility

The latest estimates from the Department for Work and Pensions' Family Resources Survey indicate that 16.1 million people in the UK had a disability in the 2022/23 financial year. This represents 24% of the total population so the demand for accessible cycle parking is growing. Provision must reflect this:

• At least 10% of cycle parking spaces should be designated for disabled cyclists
• Workplaces should offer designated spaces for every disabled employee who requires one
• Monitoring usage is essential - if parking is regularly over 70% full, more spaces should be added
• A clear point of contact should allow users to request accessibility improvements

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The right stand for the job

Standard Sheffield stands work for many but not all. Good design considerations include:

• Spacing stands 1-1.2m apart to allow easy access.
• Using round, slim bars to make locking cycles easier.
• Ensuring stands are positioned away from pedestrian desire lines.
• Avoiding two-tier or lift-on racks, which are inaccessible to many people, including those using heavier e-bikes or cargo bikes.

Accessible cycle bays

Spaces specifically for non-standard cycles should have:

• A minimum size of 3m x 1.2m, with at least 1.2m of additional space for transferring or dismounting
• Roll-in, roll-out layouts to avoid reversing or lifting cycles
• Clearly marked spaces with appropriate signage to prevent misuse
• Bollards or barriers to prevent vehicle encroachment

Step-free access

• Cycle parking should be level wherever possible.
• Surfaces should be bump-free, non-slip, and sealed to ensure safe access in all conditions.
• Dropped kerbs and well-placed crossings should be assessed to ensure seamless access.

Safety and security

• Long-term cycle parking should be behind an accessible, secure, automatic locking door.
• Natural surveillance, good lighting, and CCTV improve security, but secluded areas should be avoided.
• Charging points should be provided for e-cycles and electrically powered mobility aids.

Inclusive cycle parking isn’t just about fairness - it’s about enabling more people to travel actively, sustainably, and independently. As councils and developers look to improve cycle infrastructure, Wheels for Wellbeing’s updated guidance provides a clear blueprint for ensuring that cycle parking works for everyone. It’s time to put accessibility at the heart of cycle parking design.

Insurance for adapted cycles

People with disabilities increasingly turn to e-bikes and electric trikes as essential mobility aids, countering the fallacy that cycling is only for the fit and able.  

With an e-bike or trike, a person who struggles with their mobility or balance can cover distances that would otherwise be punishing or impossible, reducing reliance on public transport and expensive taxis.

Cycling is a great form of active travel for those with special needs; with the thumbs up from a medical professional, it can reduce strain on joints, aid balance and help alleviate breathing difficulties.

Unfortunately, policymakers hampered by car-centric logic too often ignore this practical, personal, and sustainable mobility solution. In the worst cases, they build cycle lanes too narrow for trikes or install bollards that block adapted cycles entirely.

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Cycle insurance for trikes

Cycle insurance from the ETA is well suited to adapted cycles, e-bikes and electric trikes. Every policy includes a long list of benefits as standard including theft, accidental damage, vandalism, third party claims, and even 24/7 breakdown cover for you and your bike or trike.

Please note: We can't guarantee our Cycle Rescue drivers will be able to help you from your cycle to the recovery vehicle if your mobility is severely restricted. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

The ethical choice

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The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

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