Cycling & the city: reimagining active travel facilities for modern workspaces

Cycling is no longer just a commute it’s a lifestyle, a statement of sustainability, and a critical part of our cities’ future. Yet, as highlighted in the newly released Cycling & the City report, co-authored by CPA and Velocity, the gap between vision and reality in London’s newest office buildings is undeniable.

While end-of-trip facilities think showers, lockers, and changing rooms are hitting high standards, the heart of cycling infrastructure, the cycle stores, tell a different story. A staggering 86% of cycle parking spaces in these buildings sit empty, even when measured against the ambitious goals of the current London Plan.

This isn’t just a matter of wasted bike racks. It’s about carbon, time, and financial resources invested in infrastructure that isn’t meeting its potential. It’s a missed opportunity for developers to support active lifestyles, enhance property value, and drive the green credentials businesses are seeking.

As James Nash of ActiveScore aptly notes in the report:
“It is proven that designing with a focus on variety and quality will have a far more significant impact than designing with quantity as the main priority.”

A Call to Action: Rethinking Cycling Spaces

The findings are a wake-up call for property developers, architects, and building owners. Instead of asking, “How much cycle parking do we need?”, we should be asking, “What kind of cycling experience do we want to offer?”

The report doesn’t stop at identifying the problem; it offers bold, practical solutions to reimagine cycling facilities in a way that resonates with real user needs.

The Roadmap to Better Cycling Facilities

Here’s how the report suggests we can move from empty racks to vibrant cycling hubs:

1. Adopt a Realistic Mode Share:
   London is a diverse city with varying cycling habits. Plan for cycling infrastructure based on actual data about who is cycling, where, and why. Align facilities with journeys that are practical and achievable.
2. Prioritise Net Internal Area (NIA):
   Use NIA, not Gross External Area (GEA), when calculating cycle storage requirements. This ensures space is tailored to the usable areas of the building and excludes inefficient allocations, like back-of-house zones.
3. Rethink Employee Density Assumptions:
   The way we work is changing. From hybrid work patterns to increasing urban populations, future-proof your facilities by updating assumptions about how many people will occupy a space—and how many might cycle.
4. Phase Delivery for Maximum Impact:
   Instead of overcommitting to underused facilities, adopt a phased approach. Build cycle parking in line with actual uptake, and in the interim, transform unused spaces into wellbeing zones, breakout areas, or other amenities that enhance the user experience.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about bikes it’s about building cities that work for people. Spaces that are thoughtfully designed for active travel reflect a commitment to health, sustainability, and adaptability. They attract tenants and businesses who want more than a functional office they want a space that supports their values and inspires their employees.

By embracing these recommendations, developers can shift from simply meeting regulatory requirements to setting a new benchmark for urban design. It’s about making every square metre count whether it’s a bike rack, a shower, or a yoga room repurposed from underused storage.

The Opportunity for Change

The data is clear: thoughtful, user-focused design can unlock the full potential of cycling infrastructure. Developers and property owners who lead this transformation stand to gain not only in property value but also in creating spaces that stand as a legacy of forward-thinking urban planning.

source :

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activescore_cycling-the-city-activity-7270771639275913216-B5i1/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop