Up to two Code for Sustainable Homes credits are available when appropriate cycle storage is provide for the dwelling. There are a number of requirements associated with the cycle storage these are about the size of the storage, the ease of access, the location and security. Below the specific requirements specified in the Code for Sustainable Homes Manual (November 2010) are listed.
Adequately Sized Cycle Storage
The Code for sustainable Homes sets minimum standards that the cycle storage needs to comply with. The minimum storage area required to store cycles on the floor, defined by the New Metric Handbook, which includes space to allow the cycles to be moved independently.
- 1 cycle: 2 m long × 0.75 m wide
- 2 cycles: 2 m long × 1.5 m wide
- 4 cycles: 2 m long × 2.5 m wide
OR
Where a proprietary storage or hanging system is provided, the space requirements are flexible but the system must allow each cycle to be removed independently and meet all other criteria.
Where cycle storage is provided in a shed, a minimum of 1 m2 is required for garden tools (in addition to the above dimensions). The shed must be set on a concrete foundation and secure fixing needs to be provided.
Where cycle storage is provided in a garage, adequate space must be provided to store both the bicycle(s) and the car(s) at the same time.
For double garages, it must be assumed that each garage space is occupied by a car. Storage areas above must be added to the typical minimum garage sizes below:
- 2.4 m × 4.9 m for a single garage
- 5 m × 5.2 m for a double garage
Convenient Cycle Storage
Easy and direct access from/to the dwelling(s) and from/to the cycle store to a public right of way. Access from the store to a public right of way through the dwelling is not acceptable, e.g. where cycles are stored in a shed in the back garden of a mid-terraced home and there is no direct access from the garden to a public right of way.
Communal cycle store(s) must be located within 100 m of the front door or the main entrance to a block of flats. If, for strategic reasons outside the control of the developer, the store cannot be located within the required distance, exceptions to the rule may be allowed. Full details must be provided and the Code service provider consulted prior to awarding credits. Lighting in communal cycle stores must comply with the requirements for space lighting defined in Ene 6 – External Lighting.
Cycle storage
Cycles may be stored in any of the following:
- Garage or shed
- External or internal communal cycle store
- Proprietary system.
Secure entrance lock
Te Code for Sustainable Homes requires that a secure entrance lock is provided. A permanent mortice deadlock or mortice sash lock that conforms to BS 3621:2007 can be used where the door is at least 44mm thick and is locked to the doorframe. Alternatively a ‘sold secure’ Silver Standard padlock with a hasp and staple that are coach bolted through the structure is deemed compliant.
Where communal cycle storage will be provided within a block of flats, the entrance must be a secure doorset and meet the requirements of clauses 21.2 to 21.6 and 21.8 to 21.13 of the ‘Secured by Design New Homes 2010’ document. Note that this room should have no windows.
Secure fixing
A ground anchor certificated to ‘Sold Secure’ Silver Standard. Where a communal cycle store will be used, a stand must be provided to support the bike, and a secure ground anchor point for each cycle space (certificated to ‘Sold Secure’ Silver Standard). Alternatively a secure stand can be provided.
Secure Stand
A stand which allows both wheel and frame to be locked and must, as a minimum, be of galvanised steel bar construction (with a minimum thickness of 3mm) and have a minimum foundation depth of 300mm with a welded anchor T-bar set in concrete to prevent it being easily removed from the ground.
Secure storage
Finally the Code for Sustainable Homes requires the cycle storage to be secure. A fully enclosed structure with a secure entrance lock and/or secure fixings or secure stands depending on the situation and solution. In individual dwellings:
- For solid enclosed structures: secure entrance lock or secure fixing(s)
- For non-solid structures: secure entrance lock and secure fixing(s)
Blocks of flats and multi-dwellings with communal storage areas:
- Communal halls and solid enclosed structures: secure entrance lock and secure fixing(s) for all cycles
- For non-solid structures: secure entrance lock and secure fixing(s)
Where an external container specifically designed for the secure storage of cycles will be provided, it must be certified to LPS 1175 SR 1.
