Daily cycling is a brilliant habit to encourage in schools and colleges: it’s active, low-cost, and helps students build independence. But that habit can fall apart fast if learners arrive and there’s nowhere safe, practical, and weather-resistant to leave a bike.
Below is an updated guide to the cycle storage options currently available at Strip Curtains Direct, with suggestions on what suits different school sites (space, budget, capacity, and security).
What to consider before you choose
- Capacity: How many bikes do you need to store today—and what’s realistic in 12–24 months?
- Space & layout: Wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or sheltered storage, what fits your site flow without creating pinch points?
- Weather protection: If bikes are outside all day, shelter can be the difference between “used daily” and “abandoned after a month.”
- Security: You’ll still want good locking points and sensible positioning (visible areas, CCTV coverage, lighting).
- Ease of use: If it’s fiddly, students won’t use it. Keep access simple and intuitive.
Option 1: Covered storage for outdoor areas (Industrial Cycle Shelters)
If you’ve got students cycling in daily, a shelter is usually the best “set-and-forget” solution: it protects bikes from the worst of the weather and keeps the parking area tidy.
A robust shelter designed to store up to 7 bikes, built from a heavy-gauge steel framework with 16mm twinwall polycarbonate roof and sides. It also uses staggered storage to help reduce handlebar clashes, plus a curved roof and drainage gutters. Note: delivery may require a forklift to unload.
Also stores up to 7 bikes, with the same heavy-duty, staggered design and drainage-friendly curved roof—this version is fitted with a galvanised roof and sides. Likewise, a forklift may be needed to unload.
Option 2: Space-saving wall-mounted bike storage
Wall-mounted racks can be ideal where floor space is tight (or where you want to keep walkways clear).
A hot-dip galvanised steel wall rack suitable for up to 55mm tyre widths, with swivelling up to 180 degrees for flexible positioning.
Another wall-mounted choice from the CITY range—useful if you want storage off the ground in narrow service areas, behind sports halls, or in staff-only zones.
Option 3: Simple floor racks for quick, affordable installs
If you need a straightforward solution that’s easy to roll out across multiple entrances, floor racks are often the fastest win.
A great-value option made from galvanised steel, suitable for 40mm tyre widths, with round tube wheel locators.
A scalable rack system with options for 2 to 6 bikes, so you can match capacity to each location (e.g., a smaller rack near sixth form, larger near the main entrance).
Option 4: High-density solutions for busy sites
When numbers rise, you’ll usually want designs that pack bikes in neatly and reduce damage from bikes knocking together.
A space-saving rack designed to suit all types of bicycles, manufactured in hot-dip galvanised steel, with staggered hooks to enable closer nesting.
A twin-level rack option (useful when you’re pushing capacity), powder-coated dark grey, fully welded (no assembly required), and designed to bolt to the floor (fixings not supplied).
Option 5: Hoop-style racks (simple + sturdy)
Hoop racks are a popular “all-rounder” because they’re intuitive to use and typically make it easy to lock frames securely.
Both are hot-dip galvanised steel, suitable for 55mm tyre widths, and accessible from both sides.
Browse the full range + get help choosing.
You can explore the current Cycle Storage & Racks range on the site, including options suited to schools and public spaces.
If you want a quick recommendation based on your site layout and expected bike volumes, speak to the team: call 0333 999 7171 or email info@stripcurtainsdirect.co.uk.
