When it comes to trailhead design, riders have a wide array of needs and abilities. Amenities like public bicycle repair stands, overhead shelters, and quality bike parking sets a bike friendly tone for trail users. Below, we’ll examine how each feature can improve your trailhead designs and provide a welcoming addition for bicyclists.
Public bike repair is a necessity for any trail or bike path. Even the best prepared riders can’t anticipate when they’ll be stuck without the right tool, and the
Dero Fixit stand has saved many a stranded cyclist. Each stand comes with an array of tools, including allen wrenches, philips and flat head screwdrivers, box wrenches, and tire levers. They are at home on any kind of trail or path–from a BMX park to a riverside esplanade. We love having several Fixits installed along the
Midtown Greenway bike path in our hometown of Minneapolis!
What else might bicyclists need while out riding? Air! Over the years, we’ve designed two high quality, heavy-duty air pumps for repeated outdoor public use. Our
Air Kit 2 model handily attaches to Fixit stands, and the
Air Kit 3 (pictured above) has an integrated air pressure gauge, which is important for off-road riders who need to finely tune their tire pressures for certain terrains.
The
Pump Stop is a useful accompaniment to our Air Kit bike pumps, which holds bikes upright while filling tires with air.
Designed specifically for trailheads and bike parks, the
Saddle Buddy™ offers a temporary resting place for our two-wheeled companions. Though it is not designed to be a lockable bike rack, it’s perfect for stowing your while gearing up for the ride ahead or taking a break between runs.
Traditional bike parking is also a welcome addition to any trailhead or bike path. Above are the Dero
Helix Racks featured next to the famed
Elroy-Sparta Trail in central Wisconsin.
Want to make your trailhead stand out? Our
custom designs can include logos, signs, and even fully custom bike rack shapes. Pictured above are custom laser-cut bike racks we designed for the town of Pequot Lakes, MN, which is located on the
Paul Bunyan State Trail in northern Minnesota.
Finally,
bike shelters can be included in your trailhead design to provide welcome protection from the elements. Whether covering way-finding signage, a public bike repair stand, bike parking, or picnic tables, shelters are an important trailhead design element that can serve all trail users.
The Biker Bar is a leaning rail designed to give bicyclists a place to rest a hand and foot to balance while waiting at an intersection, never needing to dismount. People on bikes will no longer have to reach for the curb or a sign post to support them at traffic lights. The Biker Bar also acts as a push-off point, assisting riders in getting an efficient start from a full stop. This helps keep traffic moving efficiently and safely through the intersection. The Biker Bar also gives bicyclists a designated area to wait in a queue and out of the crosswalk, so pedestrians have a clear path. The Biker Bar is modular, so depending on the location, it can be extended to accommodate more bicyclists. It is easy to install and includes tamper-proof hardware.
The Saddle Buddy is a perfect amenity for mountain bike trailheads and park rest areas. Its simple design allows bikers to hang bikes from the front of the saddle, keeping them upright. While taking a break or gearing up for the ride ahead, bicyclists no longer need to find a nearby tree to lean their bike on or a patch of grass to lay their bike down. The Saddle Buddy is not designed as a lockable bike rack, but rather a convenient spot for riders who won’t be leaving bikes unattended. Available in galvanized steel to hold up to the elements.
