Cyclists are hoping the new bike racks planned by the government will not be placed in dark, secluded spots such as underground car parks.

Neither should they be spiral and narrow, which would make it difficult to secure the bikes, according to the Bicycling Advocacy Group (BAG).

Such “sins” would make bike theft easier and the racks would eventually fall out of use, it said.

The group was reacting to a Budget measure that provides a fund for employers to encourage people to use bicycles to reach work. Last week, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna announced a grant of up to €250 on the purchase of bicycles and a €150,000 fund to co-finance bicycle racks at places of work.

The BAG said that while this was a “great way” to cut down on traffic congestion, provided it was supported by infrastructure that made getting to work safe, there were some simple rules to follow when planning off-street bicycle parking.

Seeing that cyclists’ needs are often misunderstood, the group has carried out a survey to identify what its members need and expect from cycle racks.

A third said the most important thing was to place them where thieves could easily be seen, while a fifth suggested putting racks by the main entrance of the workplace. Another 17 per cent would like to park their bikes in spots that are well lit.

The results could help employers get it right the first time, the group said.

“Planning intelligently for people on bikes by listening to them can go a long way to solving parking capacity problems. Although not everyone can ride a bike, those who can free up a parking space for those that can’t,” spokesman Jim Wightman said.