What are the Types of Steel Structure Bicycle Shelters?

Steel structure bicycle shelters are facilities that provide shelter and protection for bicycles, typically using a steel structure as the main frame, combined with covering materials (such as glass, PC board, or membrane structure) to resist wind and rain. The following are common types of steel structure bicycle shelters:

According to structural form, function, and application scenarios, steel structure bicycle shelters can be divided into the following types:

(1) Cantilever Bicycle Shelter

• Features:
  • Supported by single-sided columns, with the other side cantilevered, resembling a cantilever beam, covering a smaller area (single-row parking).
  • Simple structure, occupies less ground space, suitable for small parking lots or roadsides.
  • The top is usually a single-slope or arc design for easy drainage.
• Applicable Scenarios: Schools, communities, commercial areas, or roadsides with limited space.
• Advantages: Quick installation, low cost, suitable for parking a small number of bicycles.
• Disadvantages: Limited coverage area, slightly weaker wind resistance.

(2) Double-Column Bicycle Shelter

• Features:
  • Supported by columns on both sides, forming a symmetrical structure, with a double-slope or flat top.
  • Can accommodate double rows of bicycles, covering a larger area, suitable for medium and large parking needs.
  • The column spacing is usually 4-6 meters, and the beam span is 6-12 meters.
• Applicable Scenarios: Train stations, university campuses, large communities, or public parking lots.
• Advantages: Stable structure, suitable for parking multiple bicycles, strong wind and snow resistance.
• Disadvantages: Large footprint, columns may affect parking operations.

(3) Arched/Curved Bicycle Shelter

• Features:
  • The top adopts an arc or arch design, usually using a steel structure frame combined with PC board or membrane structure covering.
  • Beautiful and conducive to drainage, reducing snow or water accumulation.
  • The columns can be single-sided or double-sided, and the span can reach 10-15 meters.
• Applicable Scenarios: Parks, scenic spots, high-end commercial areas, or places requiring aesthetic design.
• Advantages: Elegant shape, excellent drainage performance, suitable for various climatic conditions.
• Disadvantages: Higher processing complexity, slightly higher cost.

(4) Membrane Structure Bicycle Shelter

• Features:
  • Steel structure frame combined with high-strength membrane materials (such as PVDF or PTFE), forming a tensioned structure.
  • Lightweight design, large span (up to 20 meters or more), without too many columns.
  • The membrane material has good light transmission, combining aesthetics and functionality.
• Applicable Scenarios: Large public places, stadiums, or modern urban parking lots.
• Advantages: Lightweight, large span, short construction period, low maintenance cost.
• Disadvantages: Membrane materials need to be cleaned regularly, and impact resistance is slightly weaker.

(5) Multi-Layer Bicycle Shelter

• Features:
  • Double-layer or multi-layer design, utilizing vertical space, suitable for high-density parking needs.
  • The steel structure frame requires higher strength, usually equipped with ramps or lifting devices for easy bicycle access.
  • The top can be flat, sloped, or curved, with a variety of covering materials.
• Applicable Scenarios: City centers, train stations, airports, or areas with limited space.
• Advantages: Maximizes space utilization, can park more bicycles.
• Disadvantages: High construction cost, additional consideration for safety and convenience is required.