Riding a bike has plenty of health, economic and environmental benefits, which explain the dramatic increase in the number of bike riders each year. With this development are innovations to make cycling a wonderful and comfortable experience for riders such as sophisticated bike lockers around cities.
What Are Bike Lockers?
Bike lockers are a considerably significant upgrade from bike racks, designed to protect bikes from theft, vandalism and weather damage. According to Dura Bike Lockers (durabikelocker.com), bike lockers take the appearance of storage sheds and provide a convenient and safe way to store bikes. In 2016, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority installed 2,400 bike lockers to support commuters who ride their bikes to the station on their way to work.
Government support helps bike riders have a pleasant biking experience, thus reinforcing this mode of transportation. According to a study conducted by The League of American Bicyclists, there has been a 62% jump in bike use between 2000 and 2013, in both bicycle-friendly and non-bicycle-friendly communities. The most significant rise in bike use was recorded in Washington, D.C., with an astounding 498% increase.
Benefits of Bike Lockers Over Bike Racks
Bike lockers prevent bike theft
With the rise in the number of bike riders, cases of bike theft–reported or otherwise–have also risen over the years. The National Bike Registry reports that over 1.5 million bicycles are stolen each year, with the highest incidences recorded on university campuses where the population is high and security is considerably more lax.
Bike lockers prevent theft by protecting bicycles in enclosed and locked storage, away from the attention of prospective thieves. While bike racks deter theft, it is not exactly impossible for a determined thief armed with a wirecutter.
Bike lockers prevent bike vandalism
The second worst thing to getting your bike stolen is to have it vandalized. Bike racks may deter bike theft, but not vandalism, especially in places with a great number of gangs and delinquents. Bike lockers ward off vandals by keeping bicycles out of their sight.
Bike lockers protect bicycles from the weather
Bicycles, when left out in the open, are not impervious to damage caused by heat, cold, rain or snow. Rust, corrosion and seizure are common occurrences when bicycles are left exposed to these elements for long periods of time. Bike lockers protect bikes from weather damage by providing a warm and sturdy storage.
Benefits of Bike Lockers for Business Owners
Added income
Business owners can make money from renting out bike locker space, which costs about $18-$40 for 3 months depending on the location. Not only can bike lockers earn business owners extra income, they also attract bike riders, thus increasing business instead of letting it scoot away to other stores. Since cyclists save on gas, maintenance and parking, they have more money to spend on other stuff such as food, goods and lockers.
Promotes a green and healthy lifestyle
Consumers would much rather bring their business to stores that support and promote a green and healthy lifestyle because it gives them a sense of fulfillment that they are contributing to a worthy cause without having to exert much effort.
Heightened sense of peace and security
Just as with the first two items, bike riders choose stores that give them peace of mind and a sense of security, as it would be much easier for them to go about their business knowing their means of transportation is safe and protected.
Healthy and economic transportation mode for employees
More and more employees have been riding a bike to work, as it is more economical and is a great way to stay in shape. When businesses support their bike-riding employees, employees are happier, healthier and more motivated to go to work.
Should You Get Bike Lockers for Your Business?
Bike lockers don’t come cheap, but they do offer extra income, a range of benefits and require little maintenance. If you’re thinking of getting bike lockers for your business, here are a few pointers to consider:
Available parking space
Bike lockers require more space than bike racks, measuring approximately 6 feet by 3 feet, which can hold two bicycle units. What’s great about bike lockers is that you can purchase them by the unit and then fit the units together as you go along.
Nature of the business
The nature of your business plays a significant role in determining whether bike lockers would be beneficial. If you own a convenience store where customers don’t stay more than 10 minutes on average, a bike rack is a more practical option. However, if you own a co-working space where customers stay 4 to 8 hours, go for bike lockers.
Budget
The cost of bike lockers ranges from $1,280 to $2,680, depending on the brand, material and configuration. Set your budget range and scout for a brand that fits your preferences. Remember that you can add to your bike lockers as you go along.
