A single step at the back door can be irritating when you are wheeling a bike in and out several times a week. You lift the front wheel, you drag the back one over, and the paint on the doorframe suffers. The same step is a problem for pushchairs, wheelbarrows and anyone with a walking aid. A small ramp is a simple way to take the effort out of it.
The most important feature is a gentle slope. A ramp that is too steep is worse than none, because the bike rolls back or the front wheel catches. Make the ramp long enough that it rises gradually, and check that the top edge meets the doorstep neatly, without a gap or a lip. If in doubt, it is better to make it a little longer than you think you need.
Materials and safety
Solid wood works well, and so does a firm, weatherproof board or a purpose-made ramp. Whatever you choose, it must not flex under weight, and it should have a surface with a good grip, even when wet. A strip of textured tape, a coat of paint with sand mixed in, or a rubber mat on top will stop wheels and shoes from slipping. Moss and algae can make any ramp treacherous, so clean it regularly.
Make sure the ramp cannot slide. Fix it to the step with a couple of brackets or screws, or place a rubber pad underneath. A ramp that shifts when you push a bike over it is a hazard, especially with children about. Check also that the sides are safe, and that nobody can catch a foot on the edge as they walk past.
Think about the width, too. It must be wide enough for the wheels of every bike and pushchair in the household, with a little room to spare, so nobody has to steer with pinpoint accuracy. If several people use the ramp, mark the edges with bright paint so that they are easy to see, especially at dusk or on dark winter mornings.
Whatever you decide, test the ramp with your loaded bike before you rely on it. A well-made ramp will save your back, your paintwork and your patience for years.
