Why Developers Should Prioritise Active Travel

Firstly, what is active travel? Active travel is essentially people-powered transport. If it involves active mobility or physical exercise — like walking or cycling — then it counts as active travel.

With the UK working towards net zero carbon emissions and more commuters favouring bikes over motorised transport, it is increasingly important for developers to prioritise active travel facilities within new and existing schemes.

The Rise of Active Travel

Bikes are taking centre stage. Transport for London reported a 43% increase in daily cycle journeys since 2019, and e-bike sales are rising sharply, reflecting growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. There is a clear shift in behaviour, with more people choosing to walk or cycle for everyday trips driven by healthier lifestyle habits and the rising cost of living.

Driven by these changing habits, developers are moving beyond traditional transport models to focus on active travellers as a primary consideration — building greener cities and healthier, happier communities in the process.

Choosing the Right Bike Rack for Commercial Developments

Specifying the correct commercial bike rack is fundamental to delivering secure, compliant, and future-proof cycle infrastructure. In high-traffic residential, office, and mixed-use developments, durability and long-term performance are just as important as visual integration. A poorly specified rack can undermine security, reduce usability, and ultimately discourage active travel.

Commercial environments demand robust materials such as hot-dipped galvanised steel, secure frame-and-wheel locking points, and layouts that maximise capacity without compromising accessibility. From Sheffield stands and toastrack racks to high-density two-tier systems, the right solution depends on projected usage, available footprint, and compliance requirements including BREEAM and local authority guidance.

Design consistency matters too. A commercial bike rack should complement its architectural surroundings while meeting stringent safety standards. Powder-coated finishes, modular expansion options, and integrated shelters all contribute to a cohesive, design-led scheme that supports ESG goals and enhances overall development value. When specified correctly, commercial bike racks become more than infrastructure — they are a visible commitment to sustainable transport, resident wellbeing, and long-term urban resilience.

The Commercial Value of Prioritising Active Travel

If done right, active travel facilities can add value to a development in several meaningful ways.

Property Value: Amenities that are built to last and that prioritise active travel increase the monetary value of residential and commercial developments. Whether it is a bespoke outdoor cycle shelter, a sleek semi-vertical bike rack for indoor use, or highly secure bike lockers, these thoughtful details add tangible extra value.

BREEAM Compliance: All products from The Bike Storage Company are compatible with BREEAM and the Sustainable Homes accreditation. Our bike storage is proudly Made in Britain, making us a go-to partner for housing developments or sustainable urban offices looking to lower their carbon footprint.

ESG Reporting: ESG reporting is mandatory in the UK for any large firm, including property development companies. With ever tighter regulations, it is becoming essential for smaller private developers to produce ESG reports in order to attract investor demand and fuel green growth. Investing in active travel demonstrates a commitment to the environment and can boost ESG ratings while building brand reputation.

Market Appeal: Design-led, innovative bike storage that residents or employees genuinely want to use can boost market appeal to a wider demographic. Functionality, usability, accessibility, and design all contribute. For example, at Deanston Wharf in London — a development catering for 769 homes — secure, high-capacity cycle storage was installed as part of the scheme's commitment to sustainability and encouraging cycling. The result was an improved resident experience and a wider potential buyer demographic.

Active Travel is Where Design Meets Function

Today, design is just as important as function. For any development, active travel solutions should complement the architectural aesthetic without compromising on performance — creating that invisible design thread that runs throughout a space.

The key is to prioritise active travel facilities early in the conceptualisation stage, not as an afterthought. One of the core benefits of working with The Bike Storage Company is the ability to collaborate from concept to completion, with a bespoke service tailored to each site's specific requirements. At Queens Quay in Bristol, a clean and sustainable aesthetic was delivered for a fully integrated bike storage and end-of-trip solution, complementing the development's light-filled interiors and open plan layout.

Early-stage consultation ensures clients are aware of all available options from the outset, avoiding last-minute changes that could compromise design. Natural elements such as sedum green roofing and habitat panels can be incorporated into bike shelters, bringing earthy tones and boosting biodiversity alongside performance.

Our in-house design team works directly with architects to ensure high quality, durability, security, and design consistency — all while making the best use of the available space.

Meeting BREEAM Standards Through Active Travel

BREEAM is the world's leading sustainability assessment method for buildings and infrastructure. Prioritising active travel is crucial to achieving a strong BREEAM score, as credits are awarded for promoting walking, cycling, and public transport use, as well as for sustainability performance, biodiversity enhancement, and health and wellbeing outcomes. With secure, sustainable bike storage supplied by a BREEAM-accredited company, developers can confidently raise their score.

The Bike Storage Company also offers in-house manufacturing and quality control, an in-house design team with site visits, CAD and Revit integration, and nationwide installation and maintenance services across the UK.