BREEAM Cyclist Facilities

[edit] Aim and benefits

Aim is to encourage building users to cycle by ensuring adequate provision of cyclist facilities.

Building users are more likely to use their bikes when safe, comfortable and accessible facilities are provided. They can lock their bike up safely in an area which will keep it dry. Shower and changing facilities are beneficial for those who travel a far distance and lockers keep the work areas free of helmets and bags. The number of bike racks needs to be related to the number of buildings users as if there are not enough spaces people will be discouraged.

[edit] When to consider

Provision of cyclist facilities should be considered from Stage 1.

Cyclist facilities have implications on the internal and external areas of the building, requiring input from almost all members of the design team. What is to be provided must be considered from the beginning to ensure appropriate provision is made.

Once construction has started changes cannot be made.

[edit] Step by step guidance

Firstly the number of building users should be determined, the number of cycle spaces or facilities required is dependent on this.

Generally, for buildings with less than 500 building users BREEAM requires 1 cycle space per 10 people. Schools, hospitals and other buildings have a variation on this. Where buildings have more than 500 uses the ratio changes. For between 500 and 1000 users it is 1 per 15 people and for greater than 1000 people it is 1 per 20 people.

The Architect or Landscape Architect will design the storage area and bicycle racks. There is a compliance note detailing how the storage space can comply. The architect should be made aware of this to ensure all requirements are met. The electrical engineer will need to input as the lighting must be complaint with BS 5489-1:2003+A2:2008 Lighting of roads and public amenity areas.

The team should decide if the second cyclist facilities credit is to be sought.

The other facilities required for the second credit are either showers, a drying space or a changing area with lockers.

Generally, a shower is required for every 10 cycle spaces with a maximum of 8 showers needed. Male and female showers should be available split 50:50. Note that disabled toilets with a shower do not count see Knowledgebase KBCN00050. Schools have a different requirement. There is a compliance note outlining how showers comply. The Architect and Building Services Engineers should be made aware of the requirements.

A drying space should be a designated room with appropriate heating and ventilation to ensure drying takes place. There is a compliance note on drying space. The Building Services Engineers will need to ensure the space will allow drying.

Where changing areas are to be provided they should be of a size appropriate to the number of expected users. There should be a locker per cycle space, again spilt 50:50 between male and female areas. The lockers should be of a size which allows the user to store their helmet, full change of clothes, towel etc. 2008 BREEAM guidance was each locker is at least 900mm X 300mm X 450mm. Handy to have some idea of what is acceptable.

A toilet area/cubicle does not count as a changing space. The changing rooms should be easily accessed from the cycle storage. There is a compliance note on the changing areas. The Architect and Building Services Engineer will need to know the requirements.

[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance

What is the number of building users? Are there enough facilities to be compliant?

[edit] Tools and resources

BREEAM Manual and BREEAM Knowledgebase

[edit] Tips and best practice

Remind the team the storage area must be covered.

The storage area must be in view of the building, this is to ensure building users are aware it is there. If it can’t be obvious, signage should be provided directing them to it see KBCN00053.

Toilets can’t be also counted as showers.

[edit] Typical evidence

Design drawings and the specification extracts should demonstrate to the assessor all the requirements for the design stage assessment. The number of buildings users may need to be noted on a drawing.

Architect, Landscape Architect and Building services engineer will need to provide evidence.

Post construction assessment requires inspection by the assessor, almost all aspects can be confirmed by the assessor. As built drawings or confirmation from the design team may be needed in regards to the heating and ventilation and the lighting.

BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.

[edit] Applicable Schemes

The guidelines collated in this ISD aim to support sustainable best practice in the topic described. This issue may apply in multiple BREEAM schemes covering different stages in the life of a building, different building types and different year versions. Some content may be generic but scheme nuances should also be taken into account. Refer to the comments below and related articles to this one to understand these nuances. See this document for further guidelines.

• UK New Construction 2014

BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.

--Emma Houston 11:15, 18 Jan 2018 (BST)

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