Cities and urban environments are constantly changing – new buildings, rules, and trends make cities almost like living organisms. One of the latest developments is the push for greener, more sustainable and people-focused built environments. One of the most essential pieces of the sustainability puzzle has been transport. The efforts to decrease car use and increase active travel have become integral to the efforts to decarbonise. A big part of active travel is cycling, which can often be encouraged by employers and local councils with better provisions for cyclists, like well-designed end-of-trip facilities.
The rise in need and use has made the role of end-of-trip facilities increasingly significant. In 2025 and beyond, several trends are poised to reshape how these facilities are designed, implemented, and utilised. Here’s a look at some key trends that we think will influence the future of end-of-trip facilities.
More And Better
Keeping in mind current demand, we believe that there will be a steady increase in cycling storage facilities and end-of-trip facilities in both newly built and older buildings that would get retrofitted. As more people take up cycling as part of their daily activities and commute, more employers will feel there is a benefit in providing their employees with a safe and comfortable place to park their bikes, store belongings and take a quick shower before work.
Office surveys repeatedly show that workers need safe parking spaces, but they also find the lack of facilities like showers and changing rooms to be an even bigger barrier. We believe that increasing awareness amongst property developers, building managers, and employers will lead to not just more bike parking spaces but better end-of-trip facilities, too.
Smart Technology Integration
Innovative technology is rapidly transforming various aspects of our lives. It is visible in our homes and vehicles, too. There is an uptick in e-bikes and e-scooters, clever new biking gear and accessories, and end-of-trip facilities are no exception.
We expect to see more facilities equipped with smart lockers that can be reserved via mobile apps, showers that automatically adjust water temperature to individual preferences, integrated security systems that provide real-time monitoring of bike storage areas and other smart systems that are only now entering the market. These advancements can enhance user experience and have the potential to improve the efficiency and security of the facilities.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
One of the lead causes for the heightened demand for bike storage and end-of-trip amenities has been the rising awareness about climate change and how important it is to lower CO2 emissions. One of the biggest culprits is the transport sector, and we believe that, logically, it can also be one of the biggest contributors to change. This is why encouraging active travel is so important. Decarbonising transport means lowering the reliance on fossil fuels and fewer cars on our roads, and a natural continuation of decarbonising transport will likely be the increased use of sustainable materials in the building of cycling and active storage facilities.
In the coming years, we think we will see an even stronger shift towards using eco-friendly materials in construction. These will likely include more sustainably sourced wood and the continuation of using steel, a brilliant material that can be recycled indefinitely. We will see more energy-efficient lighting and water systems used in end-of-trip areas, as well as facilities designed with green certifications like BREEAM and LEED in mind. These sustainable features will help reduce the environmental impact and appeal to companies and employees committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
Two-Tier Bike Racks
Being in this sector for so many years, we have noticed that every year, there is a slow and steady increase in demand for two-tier bike racks. We believe this will not change over the next few years either as businesses, cities, and public institutions continue to prioritise and invest in cycling infrastructure. Whilst urban spaces are becoming more congested and sustainability is taking centre stage, two-tier cycle racks offer an efficient, space-saving solution to accommodate the growing number of cyclists.
As cycling becomes more popular, especially with the rise of e-bikes and multi-modal commuting, the ability to maximise parking capacity without expanding the footprint will be crucial, and that is what two-tier racks excel at. They are also an ideal choice for developers and building managers because they can accommodate almost any type of bike, including electric ones.
Speaking of which, we will certainly see a rising demand in e-bike two-tier racks to cater to the rising numbers of e-bikes.
Businesses aiming to meet corporate social responsibility goals and enhance green credentials will increasingly look to install these high-capacity, user-friendly bike racks as part of their end-of-trip facilities.
Inclusive and Accessible Facilities
As workplaces become more inclusive, so too must end-of-trip facilities. To truly cater to all employees, these spaces must be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that cyclists of all abilities can use them comfortably and safely.
This could include features such as wider bike parking spaces for adapted bicycles, accessible showers and changing areas with appropriate facilities, and user-friendly racks, like the gas-assisted two-tier bike racks, that eliminate the need for heavy lifting. Automated doors, lower locker placements, and ramps leading to bike storage areas are essential for creating a truly inclusive environment.
As we move into 2025 and beyond, the importance of well-designed, sustainable, and inclusive end-of-trip facilities cannot be overstated. Businesses and urban planners have a unique opportunity to shape the future of how we commute. Encouraging more people to take up active travel is an achievable goal, and better cycling infrastructure, increased bike parking spaces, and better end-of-trip facilities are the cornerstones of that push.
Trends like the rise in demand for two-tier bike racks, the integration of smart technology, and the focus on sustainability and accessibility are driving this transformation. By investing in innovative solutions that cater to diverse needs, businesses can help meet the growing demand for cycling infrastructure, enhance their green credentials, and contribute to a more inclusive, eco-friendly future.
The future of cycling infrastructure is not just about more bike parking—it’s about creating spaces that reflect our commitment to a greener, more inclusive, and accessible world.