Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking, Storage and Changing Facilities
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Updated
22 July 2008
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.
In addition, special bikeracks with electronic card
access are used by Public Bike Systems.
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 (
|
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/ |
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
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)
Santa Cruz,
CA (www.massbike.org/bikelaw/pscruz.htm)
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.
· Locate bicycle parking where it is convenient to use, secure, visible, protected from weather, and has adequate clearance.
· Provide well-protected, long-term bicycle parking for commuters, residents or anywhere else cyclists will leave a bicycle for several hours. If possible, also provide showers and clothes lockers for bicycle commuters.
· Do not locate bicycle racks where they are in the way of pedestrian traffic.
|
A
minister and priest had the habit of drinking together at the local pub each
Monday evening to share the pleasures and pains of their calling. One week
the minister arrived on foot rather than cycling as usual. When the priest
asked why, he complained, “Somebody stole my bicycle! This evening it was
missing from its normal parking space. One of my parishioners must have taken
it. What should I do?” “That’s
terrible!” replied the priest. “Here’s what I suggest. Next Sunday, base your
sermon on the ten commandments. Make it passionate, with lots of fire and
brimstone, so your flock really squirms. When you get to ‘Thou shall not
steal’, see who looks guilty. Then you’ll find your suspect!” The
minister thought that sounded like a good plan. The next Monday he arrived at
the pub by bicycle as usual. The priest asked how the plan had worked. “Oh,
it succeeded just fine,” He answered. “I was working through the ten
commandments, and when I got to the one about adultery, I remembered where I
left my bicycle!” |
Manufactures and Vendors
Below are links to some bicycle rack manufactures and vendors. This is only a partial list so we recommend performing an Internet search for more sources.
American
Bicycle Security Co. (www.ameribike.com) sells a
wide variety of bicycle racks and bike lockers.
Bike
Hive (www.bikehive.com) produces bike storage
lockers suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Bikelink (www.bikelink.org) produces and
distributes secure bicycle lockers that use electronic cards which serve as
both a payment system and a key.
Bike-Up
Bicycle Parking Systems (www.bikeup.com) sells a variety
of bicycle racks.
Cora
Bike Rack (www.cora.com) is a specialized manufacturer of
bicycle parking systems.
Creative
Pipe, Inc.
(www.creativepipe.com) manufactures
bicycle racks, lockers and bollards.
Cycle-Safe,
Inc. (www.cycle-safe.com) manufactures bicycle
racks and lockers.
Dero
Bike Rack Company (www.dero.com), manufactures a
variety of interesting designs, and provides detailed drawings and dimensions
of their racks on the website.
Dobra
Design Bicycle Parking Systems (www.dobradesign.com)
sells a wide range of interior and exterior bicycle racks and stands.
Graber
Products (www.graberproducts.com).
Guardian
Bicycle Locker System (www.spiplastics.com/bicycle-lockers.htm)
manufactures low maintenance bike lockers from plastic.
JOSTA
Designs (www.josta.de/english) is a German
manufacturer of bicycle parking systems.
SPI
Industries
(www.spiplastics.com/bikelock.htm)
is a Canadian manufacturer of plastic bike lockers.
SportWorks (www.bicycleracks.com) manufactures a variety of bike racks.
Sunshine
Corporation
(www.sunshineu-lok.com) produces
secure bicycle parking equipment, including racks designed to attach to
parking-meter poles or signposts, and lockers.
References And Resources For More Information
ADONIS (1999), Best Practice to Promote Cycling and Walking and How to Substitute Short Car Trips by Cycling and Walking, ADONIS Transport RTD Program, European Union (www.cordis.lu/transport/src/adonisrep.htm). This 300-page catalogue describes dozens of strategies to help improve and encourage walking and cycling, ranging from special facilities, to safety campaigns and traffic management to facilitate street crossing.
Alta Planning + Design (2005), Caltrans Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Technical Reference Guide: A Technical Reference and Technology Transfer Synthesis for Caltrans Planners and Engineers, California Department of Transportation (www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/survey/pedestrian/TR_MAY0405.pdf).
APBP (2002), Bicycle Parking Guidelines,
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (www.apbp.org),
Ilona Bos and Arnoud Van de
Vrugt (2008), Park and Bike: New
Multimodal Concept for Congested Areas, Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting (www.trb.org).
Bicycle Coalition of
Bicycle Parking
Facilities Guidelines, City of
Bicycle
Federation of
Bicyclepedia (www.bicyclinginfo.org/bikecost) is a bicycle facility benefit/cost analysis tool available free on the Internet.
Rick Browning
(1999), End-0f-The-Trip
Facility Design Program, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (www.deq.state.or.us). This is a set of
excellent information sheets on bicycle parking facilities that are now
available at the Victoria Transport Policy Institute website:
“Installing Secure and Convenient Bike Racks” (www.vtpi.org/bp1.pdf)
“Providing Covered Bike Parking” (www.vtpi.org/bp2.pdf)
“Bike Parking in Public Areas” (www.vtpi.org/bp3.pdf)
“Indoor Bicycle Parking” (www.vtpi.org/bp4.pdf)
“Lockers, Showers and Changing Rooms” (www.vtpi.org/bp5.pdf)
BTS, Pedestrian and Cycling Publications, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, USDOT, (www.bts.gov/NTL/subjects/ped-bike.html).
CROW (1997), Bicycle Parking in the
Cycle Connect (2004), Cycle Connect Guidelines: Bicycle Lockers At Public Transport Nodes, Australian Department of Environment and Heritage (www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/cycleconnect.html).
DfT (2003), Parking and Security, National Cycling Strategy, (www.nationalcyclingstrategy.org.uk), Department for Transport.
ITE (1998), Implementing Bicycle Improvements at the Local Level, ITE, Federal Highway Administration (available online at www.bikefed.org/local.htm).
Todd Litman, et al (2000), Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning; A Guide to Best Practices, VTPI (www.vtpi.org). Comprehensive guide with extensive references.
Karel Martens (2007), “Promoting Bike-and-Ride: The Dutch Experience,” Transportation Research, Vol. 41, Issue 4 (www.elsevier.com/locate/tra), May 2007, pp. 326-338.
CycleStation (www.QISystemsInc.com) is a card-activated bicycle management system that secures and tracks each bike with a unique ID and locking mechanism suitable for use in parks, cities, universities, corporate campuses and resorts.
TA (2002), Bicycle Parking Solutions: A Resource for Installing Indoor Bicycle Parking, Transportation Alternatives (www.transalt.org/campaigns/bike/bikeparking.pdf).
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Encyclopedia is produced by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute to help
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