Palmerston North could soon have new rules about workplace facilities for cyclists that could encourage more workers to leave the car at home.

The proposed change to the District Plan would require new premises and major upgrades to include at least one cycle park for every 10 workers.

Firms employing more than 150 would need to provide "end-of-trip facilities", such as showers and changing rooms.

WARWICK SMITH/STUFF FMG asked for facilities for cyclists in its new home.

City council senior planner Jono Ferguson-Pye said the new requirements were designed to remove barriers to biking to and from work.

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The numbers were based on an assessment that about 7 per cent of commuters used their bikes, and the council would like to see that increase to at least 10 per cent.

WARWICK SMITH/STUFF Peter Allen has been commuting by bike between Linton and Palmerston North.

Mayor Grant Smith and retail and employment portfolio spokeswoman Leonie Hapeta were initially concerned the rules were too onerous.

But Manawatū Chamber of Commerce chief executive Amanda Linsley said she thought it was a great idea.

"It's good to recognise people are using their bikes more, and a lot of businesses are doing it already."

WARWICK SMITH/STUFF Off-road pathways encourage cycling for recreation and as a way to travel to and from work.

One of Palmerston North's new developments, the FMG building on the corner of Church and Pitt streets, has come with features designed to make cycling to work easier for some of the principal tenant's 260 staff.

The building includes secure, covered parking for eight pushbikes, with capacity to provide more, and a total of five showers through the building.

FMG Palmerston North head of station Colin Philp said the cycle facilities were among the things staff had asked for.

"We have team members who run, walk or cycle to work or use the gym in their lunch break, so for us it was common sense to provide facilities that will help make them feel comfortable after exercising."

Philp said the features were just a part of providing a modern day workplace that was bright, functional, enjoyable, safe and also promoted and encouraged wellness.

Manawatū Forum for Better Biking spokeswoman Miriam Sharland said the council's proposal was positive.

She said many cyclists spent a lot of money on their bikes, and needed somewhere secure and out of the weather to park them.

She said people did not like to arrive at work sweaty from exercising on the way in. The usual way around that problem was to bike to work slowly, and bike home fast.

"If there are showers provided, people can go fast in both directions, and that's great for fitness."