The Essential Guide to Bike Parking - Site planning and installation for bike racks, lockups, and lockers

architecture - engineering - construction

The Essential Guide to Bike Parking - Site planning and installation for bike racks, lockups, and lockers

August 17, 2020

A successful biking community commits to creating efficient bike parking solutions for cyclists in the short-term and long-term.

As society shifts towards sustainable living, a cleaner alternative to automobile commuting is gaining traction. Cycling offers benefits that surpass driving on many levels—an economically and environmentally sound option that helps people to fulfill health and fitness goals.

While cycling proves to be an excellent method of transportation, an important question remains: Where can a bike be conveniently stored once the cyclist reaches their destination?

Bike parking becomes essential in the proper operation of any bicycle program, especially in high-density areas. Without the support and convenience of bike parking at a local level, cyclists can quickly feel discouraged in their choice of transportation. A cyclist must be able to find a place to park or store their bike efficiently, effectively, and securely. This concerns cyclists who bike to work or for leisure, including those who live in apartment complexes, college dormitories, or other residencies where the question of where to store a bike at home is uncertain.

BENEFITS OF BIKE PARKING

COMMUNITY

Order and organization within community spaces.
Limits pedestrian obstruction and damage to trees and street furnishings.

BUSINESS

Increase of customers as cyclists visit establishments with bike parking.
Bike parking reduces cost and land use; up to 10 bikes can be parked for every parked car.

INDIVIDUAL

Short-term location to leave bikes during leisurely activities or errands.
Long-term location to leave bikes at work or at home.

BIKE PARKING CATEGORIES

Bike parking can be divided into three main categories:

Bike racks or bike bollards (short-term)
Bike lockers (long-term)
Bike lockups (long-term)

Before delving into the specifics of each type, the duration of bike parking should be considered. This affects the type of bike parking required and helps the cyclist to determine whether a bike rack or bike locker would be more suitable.

Short-term bike parking

Short-term bike parking is out in the open, unsheltered and unenclosed. It generally provides parking for less than two hours and is typically in the form of a bike rack. The primary advantage of short-term bicycle parking is high convenience as it is often located in the most central, high-traffic areas. There is also some level of security from theft—however, since bike racks are accessible to the public in an open space, there is never a guarantee.

Long-term bike parking

Long-term bike parking is sheltered with added protection and enclosure, and bikes may be stored for over two hours. Long-term bike parking comes in the form of bike lockers and lockups, which includes bike shelters, bike rooms, and bike parking stations. The advantage of long-term parking is that it has a high level of protection against bike theft as it offers an enclosed space. Unauthorized access is largely eliminated, and cyclists can also leave their cycling accessories attached to their bike.

1. BIKE RACK

A bike rack is one of the easiest and most economical ways to create a short-term parking solution. Outdoor bike racks are common in public or commercial areas, while indoor bike racks are often used for private bike parking.

An effective bike rack meets the following requirements:

The bike frame, and at least one wheel, is secured with a U-lock.
The bike is supported upright by its frame in two places.
The bike wheel does not tip over.
The bike rack allows for front-in and back-in parking.
The bike rack does not impede pedestrian traffic and is protected from motor traffic.
The bike rack is easily accessible from the street.
A range of bike shapes and sizes can be accommodated.

Types of bike racks

Bike racks come in an array of styles to meet the demands of the cycling community. A few general styles of commercial bike racks exist:

U-RACK

A U-rack is in an inverted U-shape with two points of ground contact. It is a reliable bike rack and commonly used in urban areas as it can be placed along sidewalks with minimal space. It allows both the front and back wheels of the bike to be secured.

WAVE

A wave bicycle rack comes in an undulating, wave configuration. It offers both an interesting design, as well as functionality, with the ability to secure more bicycles than a U-rack: up to 7.

GRID

A grid bicycle rack is comprised of vertical bars connecting upper and lower metal bars. This allows for bicycles to be parked on both sides of the rack. However, it does not allow for both the wheel and frame of the bicycle to be secured and can lead to increased theft.

SPIRAL

A spiral bike rack is in spiral formation. Although it has aesthetic appeal, it has functional downsides when it comes to accessibility—the wheel must be lifted in order to park the bike.

BOLLARD

Bollard bike racks are essentially bollards (short posts) with one or two locking arms that can be used to secure bikes. An advantage to this style is that it can be made removable for a temporary bike rack option.

DOUBLE DECKER

Double-decker bicycle racks are two-tier bicycle racks that can used to increase bicycle storage capacity. However, extra force may be required by the cyclist to maneuver their bicycles onto the higher tier.

INNOVATIVE

Innovative bike racks focus on new designs, offering the best of utility and style. Bike rack engineers are typically responsible for these modern designs.

DECORATIVE

Decorative bike racks focus on the decorative and aesthetic elements. They aim to complement the look and style of the surrounding theme or environment.