Identify Current Problems
Notice where bicyclists tend to park now and locations where bike parking is clearly inadequate. When no bicycle racks are provided, bicyclists improvise and lock their bicycles to anything that seems secure. This often results in damage to fixtures such as light posts and railings, as well as causing hazards to pedestrians.
Make It Visible and Prominent
If bicyclists can't find your bike rack, they won't use it. Bike planners recommend placing a bike rack within 50 ft of an entrance or closer than the nearest car parking stall.
Have the bike rack painted bright colors and use signage to direct bicyclists to the area you designate for bike parking.
Placing the bicycle rack in an area of high pedestrian traffic may also help to deter theft.
Installation Surfaces
Concrete is the best and least expensive surface material for a variety of rack types and installation methods. Both in-ground and surface mounts work well on concrete and are easy to install.
Other hard surfaces such as asphalt, pavers or tile may or may not be suitable for a surfacemounted option. Factors affecting the suitability of these materials include the thickness of the surface material, the makeup of the below-grade material, and climate. Freestanding racks are recommended for these surface types.
For organic materials such as mulch, dirt and grass, you will need a bike rack with a freestanding option, or you may pour concrete footings to anchor the rack down.
Let Your City Be Your Guide
Many cities and communities already have bike parking guidelines and ordinances. You can find answers to questions concerning required bike parking capacity, placement, and right-of-way. Check with your community's website. Usually, bike parking information may be found within a city's public works or parks and recreation department.
Listed below are some city guides we have found.
Dallas, TX
New York, NY
St. Paul, MN
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Pittsburgh, PA
Falls Church, VA
San Francisco, CA
Contact the Cycling Experts
Go straight to the bicycle advocacy organizations who are on their bikes every day, and who know from first hand experience which areas could be more bicyclist friendly. They can also give advice on their preferred style of bicycle rack.
