Total Locker Service Blog

The Locker and Storage Specialist Blog

Safe contractor approved status achived by Total Locker Service

Safe contractor approved status achieved by Total Locker Service

Total Locker Service has now added Safe Contractor to its list of accreditations.

We already have Construction Line accreditation along with Acclaim and SSIP safety schemes in procurement.

Our directors are qualified to IOSH Leading safely and IOSH Managing safely and are committed to ensuring our staff are given the training needed to ensure we maintain our Zero accident record.

Our service engineers and management posses CSCS cards.

We train all our staff in working near, vulnerable adults and children.

Cycle shelters and racks

Cycle shelters and racks

Jenifer at Earlswood Infants School was looking to upgrade their current cycle shelters. Their current facility included one small cycle shelter and a patch of empty space for scooters. There current provision for storing scooters was poor and they wanted to improve. Helen initially worked with Jenifer to develop a suitable quotation based on the requirements that they had identified to improve both cycle and scooter storage. This developed over time into a document that could be used as the foundation for their application for funding. Once funding had been secured and we received an order for the cycle and scooter storage Helen then started working with Richard at the school to schedule installation. Installation date was found that worked for the school and Total locker Service product was manufactured and on the day installation commenced and was completed. The comment from Richard was that the installation team where very professional and courteous.

One of the reasons for the popularity of the Hamble Cycle Shelter is the fact that it is modular and so it can easily be extended to accommodate as many cycles as required for future uses.

Hamble Cycle Shelter

The Hamble Cycle Shelter comes with durable 5mm PET G cladding as standard, optional side panels are available for additional weather protection. Please ask for more details.

Although this is not a bespoke product, you can achieve a bespoke designed look if required through the many options available.

The Hamble Cycle Shelter comes with 12 cladding finishes, 4 framework options and a choice of 14 standard colours. You can also add kit lockers, lighting and even CCTV. And if you would like to personalise with your logo or special graphics, we can also provide this on back or side panels.

Unlike some of our competitors ALL of our cycle shelters are made of hot dipped galvanised steel to BS EN ISO 1461 ensuring durability and longevity of the product whilst also providing an excellent base for polyester powder coating if required.

Choice of 14 standard colours (custom colours available at a surcharge)

Hamble Cycle Shelters offer not only, excellent weather protection during the winter months but also protection against the harmful

rays of the sun during the summer months as all polycarbonate/PET G is U.V. stabilised.  Polycarbonate cladding combines properties of strength, transparency, lightness, flexibility, durability, thermal resistance and fire resistance to make it the perfect material. (Detailed specification sheets available on request)

Our Hamble Cycle Shelter is appealing in design and suitable for any location. Where security is an issue either hinged or sliding gates can be added to suit any location and space available.

Toast Rack cycle stands

Toast Rack cycle stands are a simple and inexpensive solution to cycle parking. Toast rack cycle stands can be installed in all most every location by bolting to the existing surface. Installation is quick and straight forward.

Individual Sheffield cycle stands are mounted onto metal flat plate which allows for even greater stability once fixed to the surface.

There are various styles of toast rack cycle stands that can accommodate any number of cycles.

Our toast rack cycle stands are spaced at a minimum of 800mm to allow cycles to be parked comfortably either side.

Unlike some of our competitors ALL of our cycle stands and racks are made of hot dipped galvanised steel to BS EN ISO 1461 ensuring durability and longevity of the product whilst also providing an excellent base for polyester powder coating if required.

Scooter Racks

Scooters are often a popular choice for younger children who do not have the confidence for riding their bike to school. Storing these scooters, can cause problems for schools so dedicated scooter racks encourage sustainable travel in children but keep the scooters secure. Our scooter racks are manufactured to accommodate either single or double sided scooter storage. They can be manufactured to any size and are base plate fitted.

Scooter rack units can either be stand alone or integrated into cycle shelters to provide weather protection and integration with cycle users.

Unlike many other scooter racks on the market, users can use their own padlock to secure the scooter in place.

Our scooter racks are made of hot dipped galvanised steel to BS EN ISO 1461 ensuring durability and longevity of the product whilst also providing an excellent base for polyester powder coating if required.

 

Bike racks and shelter installation guide

Locating your bike shelter

Bike shelters are typically  2.1m high by 2.2m deep by 4.1m wide  and accommodate 10 bikes, the shelters need to be located on a suitable concrete base or in the absence of a concrete base concrete pads are a minimum. It is tempting to place the bike shelter around the back where it is out of the way, if you can’t see the shelter then you can’t see thieves, position it where it can be seen or you may have to install CCTV later. When location you’re your bike racks it is best to avoid placing them under trees, suitable access must be allowed for around the front of the bike shelter to allow for usage at peak times. When providing access routes to the shelter you need to consider that the easiest route to the shelter will be used despite where you place the pathways. It is always best to consider carefully the simplest rout to the shelter and providing the paths accordingly.

Shelter construction

It is a must when purchasing a shelter to consider the construction a 60mm x 60mm box section steel supports should be the minimum consideration to ensure sufficient rigidity. Corrosion protection, some shelters are only available in powder coated mild steel sections, I would advise not to consider this option as they only provide a minimum of corrosion protection the steel sections will only rust underneath especially when chipped. It is better to select a structure that has been hot zinc dipped it may not look as good but it will last considerably longer, most manufacturers will also offer a powder coating option on top of the hot dip galvanised steel. Most manufacturers now cover the shelters in a clear durable UV PET G cladding as standard this keeps the shelter light and visible from outside. This cladding should be a minimum of 5mm thick don’t accept 3mm cladding as its life is considerably shorter than 5mm cladding.

Material selection

Steel structures have the advantage of long life span and if selected properly minimum maintenance, wooden structures may look good and fit in with specific environments they will need a high degree of maintenance and will start to weather almost immediately. Wooden structures also provide hiding places that are not available with PET clad shelters.

Can I have a Cycle shelter that will fit the space I have available

Don’t assume that bespoke shelter solutions are going to be considerably more expensive than a standard sized shelter, getting something that meets your needs and the space available is important and may not be more expensive.

Installation Considerations

Cycle shelters can’t be fastened down to flags or tarmac as this would cause disastrous results in high winds, shelters must be securely fastened to concrete base or suitably sized concrete pads.

Cycle shelters

Our most popular cycle shelter is the Hamble shelter, it has 60mm by 60mm box section steel supports, hot dip galvanised as standard with an option to powder coat, the cladding is clear 5mm UV PET G and looks good to.

Bike racks and stands

Our standard bike rack is the Sheffield cycle stands can be surface mounted providing the existing surface is of good quality, sub surface fixed into the ground for extra security or in toast rack formation.

Scooter Stands

Our scooter racks are manufactured to accommodate either single or double sided scooter storage. They can be manufactured to any size and are base plate fitted. Scooter rack units can either be stand alone or integrated into cycle shelters to provide weather protection and integration with cycle users. Unlike many other scooter racks on the market, users can use their own padlock to secure the scooter in place.

 

If you are in need friendly advice on selecting a cycle shelter or cycle rack then call 01284 749211 or visit our Website…

 

John Scott

Benefits of cycling

Benefits of cycling

Cycling on a regular basis can help you lose weight, improve your fitness and reduce stress.  You will find plenty of tips on equipment and road safety.

Cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the United Kingdom.  An estimated 3.1 million people ride a bicycle each month.

Recommended physical activity levels

Children under five should do 180 minutes every day.

Young people (aged 5-18) should do 60 minutes every day.

Adults (aged 19-64) should do 150 minutes every week.

Older adults (65 and over) should do 150 minutes every week.

 

As an exercise activity, cycling has broad appeal. Toddlers, pensioners, the able-bodied or people with disabilities can all enjoy cycling if they have the right equipment. Read our guide to cycling for beginners, which includes tips on staying motivated.

Cycling is a good green form of transport and an excellent way to keep fit without putting undue stress on your joints. It saves you money, gets you fit and is good for the environment.

If is much easier on your joints than running and other high-impact aerobic activity and it still helps you keep in shape.

For example, someone who weighs 80kg (12st 9lb) will burn more than 650 calories with an hour’s riding, and tone their legs and bottom. If you ride up hills or off-road, you’ll also work your upper body.

The best way to build your cardiovascular fitness on the bike is to ride for at least 150 minutes every week. You could cycle to work a few days a week or do a couple of shorter rides during the week with a longer ride at the weekend. You’ll soon feel the benefits.

Safety tips

Look behind you before you turn, overtake or stop.

Use arm signals before you turn right or left.

Obey traffic lights and road signs.

Don’t ride on the pavement unless there’s a sign that says you can.

On busy or narrow roads, don’t cycle next to another person.

When overtaking parked cars, watch out for car doors opening suddenly and allow room to pass safely.

Don’t use headphones while cycling.

Never use a mobile phone while cycling.

Cycling equipment

We recommend wearing a cycling helmet can help prevent a head injury if you fall from your bike.

Your cycle helmet should meet the following criteria:

•It is marked as meeting the EN1078 Standard.

•It should be a snug fit and positioned squarely on your head. It should sit just above your eyebrows, not tilted back or tipped forwards.

•It is securely fastened by straps, which aren’t twisted, with only enough room for two fingers between your chin and the strap.

Replace your helmet every five years. Don’t buy a second-hand helmet – it may be damaged and may not protect you properly.

Being seen

 

If you use your bike at night or when visibility is poor, it is compulsory to have:

•a white front light

•a red rear light

•a red rear reflector

•amber/yellow pedal reflectors – front and back on each pedal

Reflectors fitted to the front and the spokes will also help you be seen. 

Additional lights and reflectors

You can use other lights as well as the compulsory ones, but they must:

•be the right colour – white at the front, red at the back

•not dazzle other road users

If they are flashing, it must be at a rate of one to four equal flashes per second. 

Check your bike is functional and safe.

Regular check the condition of the wheels and tyres, ensure that they are in good condition and running true

If you have a front mudguards check that they are secure and not in contact with the tyre

Check that the saddle is secure and in line with the handle bars.

Brakes must function and adequately stop the bike, check that there is sufficient brake pad. Cables should not be frayed inside the brake levers.

Handlebars should be free of play and straight.

Chain, gears and pedals should be free running and secure.

Bike security

 

The level of lock security should be increased the longer you intend to leave your bike unattended.  Where you lock your bike and for how long are two important considerations when choosing your security level. Generally, bikes locked for longer periods of time or bikes locked on college campuses or in urban areas should use higher security.

Do not opt for low-cost combination locks they are very easy to open with little effort, a 3 digit combination lock has only got 1000 possible combinations, a 4 digit lock has 10000.

It is better to select locks with a key a good quality lock with a 6mm shackle would be sufficient.

If you select a lock that just secures the front or rear wheel on thing to consider is that the wheels can easily be removed and you don’t want to find that all you have left is the wheel securely fastened to a bike rack.

A better method is to select a good quality chaise with a nylon cover or a 10mm, flexible braided steel cable with a nylon cover. You can then secure frame and wheels and secure this with a good quality padlock.

Bike shelters and racks

Total Locker Service provides an extensive range of bike shelters and racks. Our bike shelters are all galvanised with an option to powder cot the frame in one of our range of attractive colours. Our bike racks are available in stainless steel, galvanised steel and galvanised steel powder coated. Get in touch If you are interested in a free no obligation quotation from our friendly professional staff

John Scott

Bike racks, bike stands and bike shelters

Bike racks, bike stands and bike shelters

We offer several proven solutions for bike or cycle storage.

Bike storage can range from a simple stand to a complete lockable bike shed or cycle compound. We have the expertise in house to ensure you get the right product every time.

Take a look at our extensive range of bike racks and cycle storage solutions, if you don’t see something suitable then give us a call.

Bike storage -Sheffield Bike Racks – There are various styles of Sheffield cycle stands, which have two methods of fixing. Subsurface and surface mount.
Stainless steel – Bike storage -Sheffield Bike Racks – There are various styles of Sheffield cycle stands, which have two methods of fixing. Subsurface and surface mount.

Bike storage – Toast Rack Bike Racks -There are various styles of toast rack Bike Racks / Cycle Stands that can accommodate any number of cycles.

Bike storage and cycle storage –Single and double-cycle shelters can be designed and installed to accommodate any number of cycles.

Individual bike racks, stands and lockers – A range of character and economy wall and floor mounted
individual bike racks.

Multiple bike racks and stands – A range of Round-A-Tree bike racks in several sizes, along
with pillar and claw bike racks.

bike shelter
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