1. STORAGE (Obviously)
Use good quality cycle storage products. Nothing will stop a cyclist from cycling in quicker than having old and broken racks to secure their bikes to. They will not use anything that is broken or difficult to use, so repair or replace anything that is broken or dangerous. The quality of cycle storage products available has moved on leaps and bounds in the last 10 years so consider investing in new cycle racks that are much easier to use rather than repairing old racks.
2. LIGHTING
Make the area well lit and bright! No one likes parking their bike in a dark and dingy room, it reminds them of winter all over again! If windows aren’t an option, add plenty of artificial lighting and replace any blown bulbs. You can even think about adding solar lighting to your store!
3. COLOUR
Don’t be afraid of a bit of colour! Adding some colour to the walls or the floor really adds a sense of fun and is a bit of a different touch. Painting the walls and floor gives it a new lease of life and shows the cyclists that you are investing in them. You can even add vinyl graphics and logos to the wall and create a cycling themed mural!
4. ACCESSORISE
Help your cyclists help you! Give them a lock rack to leave their locks on, rather than leaving them on the floor or on the racks. Install a pump and repair stand with tools so that if they have a puncture or other mechanical problem they are able to repair it, rather than just leaving their bike abandoned in the store taking up valuable space and looking untidy.
5. SECURITY
Ensure any new or old storage is secure. Do not cost save on this, as with cheaper racks brings less security and as soon as bikes start to be stolen from your store, cyclists will stop using it. If they are leaving their bike unattended for 8+ hours of the day, they want to be safe in the knowledge that it will still be there when they get back.
6. FRAGRANCE
Cycling isn’t glamourous. You get hot and sweaty, ride through all sorts of unmentionable things and get covered in grime. All of these lovely smells then get left in a room for 8+ hours each day! If your cycle store has no natural ventilation, look at installing a dehumidifier or some kind of ventilation to remove all of the nasty air. To really go the extra mile, put in some nice air fresheners and fragrance so that the store smells nice and fresh, and not of whatever is on your tyres!
7. CLEANLINESS
Give your cycle store a good clean! Cycling can be a dirty business full of rain, pollution, mud and grime that will inevitably end up in and on the cycle storage! Give everything a good sweep and clean and get rid of any stains and debris. If you have a concrete floor, consider sealing it as this makes it much easier to clean and also stop the concrete dust getting all over the bikes and cyclists! Also consider adding a bin into your cycle store as if they have a puncture to repair or any kind of rubbish, if there is no bin it will end up on the floor.
