Bicycle Parking

Bicycle Parking, Storage and Changing Facilities

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TDM Encyclopedia

Victoria Transport Policy Institute

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About This Encyclopedia

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Updated March 7, 2007

This chapter discusses bicycle parking, storage and changing facilities.

 

 

Description

Bicycle Parking, storage and shower/changing rooms (collectively called end of trip facilities) are important ways to provide convenience and security for cyclists at destinations. Inadequate facilities and fear of theft are major deterrents to bicycle transportation. If you see bicycles regularly locked to trees and posts, you probably need bicycle parking at that location. Effective bicycle parking requires a properly designed rack in an appropriate location for the type of use.

 

Below are some factors to consider when developing bike parking (for additional information see Browning, 1999; APBP, 2002; DfT, 2003):

 

Type and Location

There are many types of bicycle racks and lockers available. Some are suitable for certain situations but not others, and some designs are unsuitable anywhere. There are two general categories of bicycle parking requirements:

 

·       Short-term (Class II) parking is needed where bicycles will be left for short stops. It requires a high degree of convenience (as close to destinations as possible). At least some short-term bicycle parking should be protected from the weather (a portion can be unprotected, since demand tends to increase during dry weather).

 

·       Long-term (Class I) parking is needed where bicycles will be left for hours at a time. It requires a high degree of security and weather protection, with well-designed racks in covered areas, lockers, storage rooms, or fenced areas with restricted access.

 

 

Visibility

Racks should be highly visible so cyclists can spot them immediately when they arrive from the street. A visible location also discourages theft and vandalism.

 

Security

Adequate lighting and surveillance is essential for the security of the bicycles and the users. Bicycle racks and lockers must be well anchored to the ground to avoid vandalism and theft.

 

Weather Protection

A portion of bicycle parking should be protected from the weather (some short-term bicycle parking can be unprotected since bicycle use tends to increase significantly during fair weather). This can use an existing overhang or covered walkway, a special covering, weatherproof outdoor bicycle lockers, or an indoor storage area.

 

Clearance

Adequate clearance is required around racks to give cyclists room to maneuver, and to prevent conflicts with pedestrians or parked cars. Racks should not block access to building entrances or fire hydrants.

 

 

Design and Location Recommendations

Below are detailed suggestions for selecting and locating bicycle parking and storage facilities.

 

Rack Selection

All bicycle racks are not created equal. There are many styles to choose from, some of which are most appropriate for a particular situation, and some which are unsuitable or even harmful. For detailed recommendations see the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professional’s Bicycle Parking Guidelines (APBP, 2002, available at www.bicyclinginfo.org/pdf/bikepark.pdf).

 

A good rack holds the bicycle frame, and can be used with a U-lock. This is a popular style.

 

 

What works: Bicycle parking may be provided in floor, wall or ceiling mounted racks. They should meet these requirements

·       Holds the bicycle frame, not just a wheel.

·       Can be used with a U-shaped shackle lock.

·       Accommodates a wide range of bicycle sizes, wheel sizes and types.

·       Is covered with material that will not chip the paint of a bicycle that leans against it.

·       Does not have hazards, such as sharp edges.

 

This is another popular rack that holds the bicycle frame and can be used with a U-lock.

 

 

What doesn't work: Old fashioned “wheelbender” racks that hold only the bicycle’s wheel, and are unsuitable for use with a U-shaped shackle lock. Experienced cyclists will not use them.

 

Many cyclists will not use a rack that only hold the wheel or is unsuitable for a U-lock.

 

 

Finding a Good Location

To ensure your bicycle parking will be used, be sure to choose locations that are easy to find, convenient to use and secure enough to reasonably safeguard against bicycle theft. Facilities can be located where cycles already parked, or where recommended by bicycle advisory groups. If you want to install bicycle parking on a sidewalk if front of your building, you may need a permit.

 

Short-term Parking

Short-term bicycle parking provides shoppers, customers, messengers and other visitors who generally park for two hours or less a convenient and readily accessible place to park bicycles. It should be located within 50 feet of the building entrance that cyclists use. Where there is more than one building on a site, or where building has more than one main entrance, the parking must be distributed to serve all buildings or main entrances. If more than 10 short-term spaces are required, at least 50% should be covered.

 

Only located bicycle racks on a sidewalk or path where there is adequate clearance for pedestrian traffic. A rail or eyelets secured onto a building wall can sometimes provide a place to lock a bicycle where it is out of the way of traffic.

 

What works: Locate parking in visible and prominent locations - if cyclists are unaware of the parking it won’t be used.

 

What doesn't work: Isolation - a bicycle rack that is visually or physically isolated will not be used and is a target for thieves. In the way of pedestrian traffic. Inadequate space to maneuver a bicycle and its gear.

 

Long-term Parking

Long-term bicycle parking provides employees, students, residents, commuters and others who stay at a site for several hours a secure and weather-protected place to store their bicycles. Locate on site or within 750 feet of the site - daily bicycle commuters are generally willing to walk a short distance, about three blocks, if they are confident the parking is secure. The following are suitable:

·       A locked room or area enclosed by a fence with a locked gate.

·       Within view or within 100 feet of an attendant or security guard.

·       An area that is monitored by a security camera.

·       A location that is visible from employee work areas.

 

What works: Cyclists are more likely to park where their bicycles are safe and protected from weather. At least 50% of long-term bicycle parking should be covered. Indoor storage is best. It is often possible to find a secure room, or an area in a basement or under stairs. Bicycle parking can often use odd-shaped interior spaces that have few other purposes. Wall-mounted racks are well suited to indoor storage. Locate in well-lit areas - lighting increases security of property and personal safety. In areas where security is in question or where there is limited opportunity to provide weather protection, enclosed bike lockers are a good best solution. In some situations cyclists pay a monthly fee to lease such lockers.

 

Bicycle lockers are a good choice for secure bicycle storage.

 

 

What doesn't work: Isolation - a bicycle rack that is visibly or physically isolated will not be used and is a target for thieves.

 

 

Spacing and Siting Standards

Each bicycle parking space should be easily accessible. Cyclists should be able to securely lock their bicycles without undue inconvenience and their bicycles should be reasonably safeguarded from intentional or accidental damage. Consider the space that a rack full of bicycles will take up, not just the rack itself. Also consider that cyclists require a sufficient pathway in and out of the parking area.

 

Each parking space must be accessible without moving another bicycle - generally, allow for 2 feet by 6 feet for each bicycle parking space. Provide an aisle at least 5 feet wide behind all bicycle parking to allow room for maneuvering - just as automobile drivers need additional space to maneuver in and out of parking spaces.

 

What works: Staggered racks - some bicycle racks can be staggered on 17 inch centers allowing room for more bicycles to be parked.

 

What doesn't work: Installing bicycle racks too close to a wall or too close to each other - installing racks improperly can cut capacity as much as 90%. Installing bicycle racks too close to car parking - motorists will seldom leave sufficient room for bicycles to park and maneuver if bicycle parking is not sufficiently separated from car parking.

 

 

Covered Bicycle Parking

Prolonged exposure to rain can rust a bike's metal frame and components and the sun's ultraviolet rays can deteriorate a bike's soft seat and tires. Cyclists who value their bicycles will thank you for providing weather protection by giving you their business. Cover must be permanent - the cover should be designed to protect the bicycle from rainfall and be at least 7 feet above the floor or ground.

 

What works: Take advantage of existing overhangs or awnings - this is a creative, low-cost way of providing some weather. If there is no existing opportunity to provide cover, enclosed bicycle lockers may be the best solution.

 

What doesn't work: Partial cover or cover that is too high - cover is intended to protect bicycles from rain and sun as well as protect cyclists from rain when they are locking or unlocking their bicycle.

 

Long-term bicycle storage should be covered.

 

 

Shower and Changing Facilities

Commuters who bicycle or walk often arrive wet, muddy or sweaty. Providing employees with a place to shower, change and store clothes can encourage bicycle commuting. Such facilities also benefit employees who exercise during breaks or may occasionally need to wash and change clothes for other reasons. There are several ways that employers can provide such facilities.

·       A shower and clothes lockers can be designed into new or retrofitted buildings.

·       A shower and clothes lockers can sometimes be added to existing restrooms. A single shower stall and space to change clothes typically requires a six by four foot space.

·       Several businesses located close together, or a Transportation Management Association, can establish shower and changing facilities that are shared by employees at several buildings.

·       Employers can arrange to use showers and changing rooms at a nearby recreation center or gym. This may require special arrangements to access the facilities when they would otherwise be closed.

 

 

Sign Parking Signs

Signs serve several purposes. They let cyclists know you have bicycle parking and that their business is valued. Signs also help cyclists find your parking if it is not immediately visible or direct long-term users to intended long-term parking, keeping more short-term parking open for your customers. A sign must be posted at the main building entrance indicating the location of the parking - this will help customers locate your parking facility if it is not visible from where they approach your site.

 

What works:  Standard bicycle parking signs made of high-quality materials.

 

What doesn't work: Complicated signing schemes - if a complicated signing scheme is needed to find your bicycle parking, you may need to find a better location.

Signs that discourage bicycling - signs prohibiting bicycle parking when no alternative is available only create ill-will.

 

 

Bicycle Parking Standards

Most existing zoning codes require a minimum supply of automobile parking at buildings building and other facilities. Some communities now have similar standards for bicycle parking, or allow bicycle parking to substitute for a portion of automobile parking. Tables 1 and 2 illustrate examples of such standards.

 

Table 1            Minimum Bicycle Parking Requirements (Portland)

Type of Establishment

Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces

Primary or secondary school

10% of the number of students, plus 3% of the number of employees.

College or university classrooms

6% of the number of students, plus 3% of the number of employees.

Dorms, fraternities and sororities

One space per 3 residents.

Commercial – retail or office

One space per 3,000 sq. ft. of commercial space or 5-10% of the number of automobile spaces.

Sport and recreation center

10-20% of the number of automobile spaces.

Movie theater or restaurant

5-10% of the number of automobile spaces.

Industrial

2-5% of the number of automobile spaces.

Multi-unit housing

1 space per 1-2 apartments.

Public transit stations

Varies, depending on usage.

 

 

Table 2            Example of Bicycle Parking Requirements (Litman, et al, 1999)

Land Use

Bicycle Spaces Required

Type

RESIDENTIAL

 

 

Single family / two family

N/A

N/A

Apartment / Townhouse

1 per unit plus 6 space rack at each building entrance.

Class I 100%

Class II 6 space rack

COMERCIAL

 

 

Hotel / Motel

1 per 15 rooms. In addition, when hotel/motel is greater than 75 rooms, a 6 space visitor rack shall be provided

Class I 60%

Class II 40%

Office, retail sales of goods and services, restaurants, research establishments, laboratories

1 per 250 m2 GFA for the first 5000 m2 and 1 per 500 m2 for any additional area

Class I 50%

Class II 50%

Shopping Centre

1 per 250 m2 of gross leasable area for the first 3000 m2 and 1 per 500 m2 of gross leasable area for any additional area.

Class I 30%

Class II 70%

INDUSTRIAL (ALL)

1 per 950 m2 GFA

Class I 80%

Class II 20%

INSTITUTIONAL

 

 

Hospitals

1 per 500 m2

Class I 75%

Class II 25%

Schools

All levels: 1 per 10 employees

Class I employees college, university 10%

Class II students

Elementary

1 per 10 students

 

Junior Secondary

1 per 8 students

 

Senior Secondary

1 per 8 students

 

College

1 per 5 students

 

University

1 per 5 students (full time, max. attendance)

 

Churches

1 per 50 members

Class II 100%

Library / Museum/ Art Gallery

a per 100 m2 GFA

Class I 20%

Class II 80%

Personal Care / Nursing Home / Group Home

1 per 15 dwelling units

Class I 75%

Class II 25%

Correctional Institutions

1 per 50 beds

Class I 70%

Class II 30%

CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL

 

 

Community Centre

1 per 80 m2 of GFA

Class I 20%

Class II 80%

Stadium, Arena, Pool, Exhibition Hall, similar places with spectator facilities

1 per 100 m2 of surface area

Class I 20%

Class II 80%

Gymnasium, Health Spa

1 per 80 m2 of surface area

Class I 20%

Class II 80%

Bowling Alley, Curling Rink

1 per 2 alleys or sheets

Class I 20%

Class II 80%

Class I bicycle parking provides complete protection for a bicycle and equipment. Class II facilities are racks that a bicycle can be securely locked to.

 

 

The City of Vancouver (2003) Requirement for Shower/Change Rooms (By-law 7481) specifies the number of water closets, wash basins and showers required at a new building, based on the number of bicycle racks required.

 

Table 3            Vancouver Shower/Change Rooms (Vancouver, 2003)

Required Class A Bike Spaces

Minimum Number for Each Sex

 

Water Closets

Wash Basins

Showers

0-3

0

0

0

4-29

1

1

1

30-64

2

1

2

65-94

3

2

3

95-129

4

2

4

130-159

5

3

5

160-194

6

3

6

Over 194

6 plus one for each additional 30 bike spaces or part thereof

3 plus one for each additional 30 bike spaces or part thereof

6 plus one for each additional 30 bike spaces or part thereof

 

 

Additional examples of bicycle parking standards can be found for:

 

Boston, MA (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/pboston.htm)

Cambridge, MA (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/pcamb.htm)

Watertown, MA (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/pwtrtown.htm) 

Santa Cruz, CA (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/pscruz.htm) 

Denver, CO (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/pdenver.htm)

Iowa City, Iowa (http://danenet.wicip.org/bcp/bic/pordinance.html) 

Comparison of nine bike parking ordinances (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/parkcomp.htm)

MassBike Bicycle Parking Information (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/parking.htm)

 

 

Best Practices

For information on the design, selection and installation of bicycle parking and changing facilities see Browning (1999), APBP (2002) and DfT (2003). Below are some general recommendations.

 

·       Provide suitable bicycle parking where cyclists stop.

 

·       Choose properly designed bicycle racks that support a bicycle’s frame and are secure.

 

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