A Pedal-Powered Success Story - CBC Radio-Canada’s Bike Room

At Halt, our mission is to ensure that every bike has a safe place to park, every rider deserves a smooth ride, and every workplace can be just a little more bike-friendly. So when our expertise was called on  to help design the new bike room for Maison CBC Radio-Canada in Montréal, we knew we had the perfect opportunity to create something special.

We proposed three options, but spoiler alert: We went with the second one, and it totally rocked.

This is the story of how 418 bike parking spaces, a slick bike repair station area, and a cargo bike zone came together to turn a blank slate into a biker’s dream. Whether you’re into design, sustainability, or just love a good success story, this one’s for you.

Starting at the Kickstand - The Challenge

The new Maison CBC Radio-Canada wasn’t just going to be a modern broadcasting hub; it was also aiming to be one of the most progressive, forward-thinking workplaces in the city. That meant sustainability had to be front and center, and that included supporting active transportation like cycling.

The client needed a bike room that:

• Could handle a high volume of bikes

• Was secure and practical for daily use

• Supported diverse types of riders, from everyday commuters to cargo-bike couriers

• Included a bike repair station to keep bikes rolling smoothly

• Fit within the architectural and logistical constraints of a large-scale commercial project

Not a small ask, but exactly the kind of challenge we live for.

Meet the Proposals

We presented three proposals, each with its own flair:

Proposition 1 - Vertical Racks, Clean, Simple, Solid, 200 Bikes

This proposal offers a sleek, minimalist approach to bike storage. The vertical racks are securely fixed to the floor, ensuring stability and preventing any risk of movement or tipping. 

The design focuses on durability, simplicity, and low maintenance, using high-quality materials built to last. With a capacity for 200 bikes, this solution works well in environments that require a compact and straightforward storage option without compromising security or accessibility.

Proposition 2 - Two-Tier Racks with Optional Bike Repair Station and Cargo Bike Zone, 418 Bikes 

This option provides a two-tier rack system, with our stack racks and stretch racks, that offers the highest density of bike storage. The racks are designed to maximize available space while ensuring each bike is easily accessible. As well, an optional bike repair station adds a functional element to the setup, allowing cyclists to maintain and repair their bikes on-site. 

Additionally, the inclusion of a dedicated cargo bike parking space caters to larger bikes, ensuring that bikes of various sizes and needs can be securely stored. The racks also feature secure locking capabilities to prevent theft, making this a highly versatile and secure option for busy locations.

Proposition 3 - Assisted Two-Tier Racks for Easier Loading, 384 Bikes 

This proposal introduces assisted two-tier racks, which our are stack racks, that are designed to make loading and unloading bikes easier. With mechanisms that help users load bikes onto the upper tier with less effort (such as spring-assisted systems or angled racks), this option is perfect for spaces where accessibility and ease of use are priorities. 

With a capacity of 384 bikes, this solution is a great choice for spaces where bike capacity is important but ease of access for all users is equally vital. It strikes a balance between maximizing storage space and ensuring that loading and unloading is effortless, catering to a wide range of users.

The Winner

All three had their strengths, but Proposition 2 stole the show. Why? Because it packed the most punch in terms of density, flexibility, and all-around usefulness; and it aligned perfectly with Radio-Canada’s ambitious sustainability goals.

Let’s break down why it worked so well.

The Wheel Deal

Unmatched Density

Space in any commercial building is at a premium. With two-tier racks, such as our stack racks and stretch racks, we could fit more than twice the number of bikes compared to a traditional layout. Visit our blog on how we choose which bike racks to install in the bike rooms we design to learn more about our decisions here!

Proposition 2 offered the highest density: a whopping 418 bikes in the same footprint where you’d normally squeeze 200-250. That’s a huge win for efficiency and accessibility.

For a major employer like Radio-Canada, that meant more staff could cycle to work without worrying about bike parking. And for us, it was a beautiful example of design meeting demand.

Built-In Bike Repair Station Area

Flat tire at 8:00 a.m.? Chain acting up after lunch? No problem.

One of the standout features of the second proposition was the dedicated bike repair station, available on demand. This wasn’t just a bonus: it was a game-changer for the employees.

We outfitted the station with the essentials: air pump, Allen keys, screwdrivers, wheel chock, and wrenches, all on retractable cables so they don’t disappear. This little corner of the bike room became a haven for DIY fixes and quick tune-ups, and a whole lot of peace of mind for daily commuters.

Cargo Bike Parking? Yes, Please

One of the coolest things about modern urban cycling is how diverse it’s become. It’s not just about road bikes or fixies anymore — cargo bikes are rolling strong, especially in urban cores.

So, the second proposition included dedicated space for cargo bike parking. These spots are wider and sturdier, with locking mechanisms tailored to bulkier frames.

Why does this matter? Because when employers like Radio-Canada support cargo bike users, they’re supporting families, small businesses, and green deliveries. It’s the kind of inclusion that takes a bike room from good to great.

Rolling Into Reality

Designing the space was just the beginning. We worked closely with our client’s team to:

• Coordinate around construction schedules

• Customize layout plans based on floor plan changes

• Ensure ADA accessibility and emergency egress compliance

• Future-proof the installation for potential expansions

Once installation began, our crew moved fast. The racks went in smoothly, the bike repair station was anchored and stocked, and the final result looked — if we do say so ourselves — pretty darn good.

When the dust settled, we had a bright, organized, and highly functional bike room that could comfortably serve hundreds of employees. The vibe? Clean, secure, and ready to roll.

Why This Project Matters to Us

At Halt, we’re not just about selling racks and tools. We’re about building community through thoughtful, human-centered design.

The Radio-Canada project hit all the sweet spots: smart planning, sustainability, user experience, and a chance to flex our creativity. The project let us combine all of our strengths — high-density storage, repair stations, cargo bike support, and a whole lot of practical know-how — into one sleek solution.

Most importantly, it proved something we’ve believed for years: when you design for cyclists, you build a better city.

A Few Tips for Future Bike Room Projects

If you're planning your own bike room, here’s what we learned from the success of Proposition 2:

• Go dense, but go smart. Two-tier racks, such as our stack racks and stretch racks, maximize space, but layout is everything.

• Include a repair stand. Even a basic setup can make a huge difference.

• Think beyond standard bikes. Cargo bikes and e-bikes need love too.

• Make it easy to use. Good lighting, intuitive design, and signage go a long way.

• Plan with flexibility. Your needs today might not be the same five years from now.

We’re always happy to consult on layout, equipment choices, and the little details that make big differences.

Ready to Ride?

Looking back, the CBC Radio-Canada project is one of those moments that makes us proud to do what we do. It started as a sketch on paper and rolled out into a living, breathing, biker-friendly reality.

If you're dreaming up your own perfect bike room, we’d love to help bring it to life. After all, we’re not just in the bike equipment business — we’re in the business of happier commutes, greener cities, and smoother rides.

Let’s build something awesome together. Want to see more of our work or chat about a project? Head to halt-inc.com — your partner in all things pedal-powered.