Cycling is a popular means of transportation for many people. It’s sustainable and makes a great workout. However, it’s essential to understand that bike parking contributes to the use of bikes. People will ride their bikes more when they can rely on proper storage. Keep reading to learn about the different types of bike parking options today.
What Is Bike Parking?
Bike parking is a designated area that allows cyclists to park their bikes in a secure and central location. They’re great short-term and long-term storage options. In addition, many public areas offer bicycle parking.
Benefits of Parking Options
Bike parking options are necessities to communities and public spaces because they encourage people to use their bikes as transportation. When people arrive at different locations, they have a designated space to store their bikes and understand their property is safe. In addition, bike parking can increase the number of customers at various businesses because it can attract cyclists.
Best Places for Bike Parking
Many public locations offer bicycle parking to allow cyclists a short-term spot for bike storage. Here are the most popular locations for bike parking:
- Commercial businesses
- Business offices
- Parks
- Schools and university campuses
- Multi-family residential buildings
- Public transportation stations
- Hospitals
- Vehicle parking lots and garages
Bike Parking Categories
There are three main categories of bike parking that cyclists can choose from. Some options are short-term for activities like running errands or eating at a restaurant. Other options are long-term for overnight and extended periods. Here are the main categories:
- Bike racks (short-term)
- Bike lockers (long-term)
- Bike lockups (long-term)
Short-Term Parking
Short-term bike parking is in an unsheltered and open area. Typically, it provides parking for two hours or less and comes in the form of a bike rack. Short-term parking is highly convenient in central and high traffic locations. There is a basic level of security from theft. However, it’s important to understand that bike racks are accessible to the public, so there isn’t a 100% guarantee that your bike is safe.
Long-Term Parking
Long-term parking is a sheltered and protected enclosure that cyclists can store their bikes in for over two hours. Generally, this type of bike parking comes in lockers and lockups, including bike shelters, rooms, and parking stations. Long-term parking has a high level of protection against theft as it’s in an enclosed space.
Bike Racks
Bicycle parking racks are one of the easiest short-term parking solutions. Cyclists can use outdoor bike racks in public areas for a quick parking option. An effective bike rack is accessible from the street, allows for front-in and back-in parking, and doesn’t tip over. In addition, a bike rack doesn’t impede traffic and protects cyclists from other vehicles.
Types of Bike Racks
There are several different types of bike racks. However, here are the most common ones:
- U-rack – A u-rack is an inverted shape “U” with two points on the ground. It’s a reliable bike rack and is commonly placed along sidewalks and open locations.
- Wave – A wave is in a wave-shaped configuration that allows for more bike storage than a traditional u-rack.
- Grid – A grid is a rack with vertical bars that connect upper and lower metal bars. This provides room for parking on both sides of the rack.
- Double Decker – A double-decker is a two-tier rack that can increase the storage capacity of bikes.
Best Location for Bike Racks
Bike racks are the staple of short-term parking and are convenient for many cyclists. Bike racks are great for high-traffic areas such as the entrance of a building. In addition, they should be visible and allow convenient street access. It’s vital for bike racks not to block pedestrian or vehicle traffic because accidents may occur. Businesses should build bike racks along the sides of their buildings to maximize space and accessibility.
Bike Lockers
Bike lockers are boxes or stand-alone lockers that hold one or two bikes. They’re a great option for long-term storage and offer the highest standard of security. Not only will a bike locker protect against theft, but it also protects against vandalism and harsh weather conditions. In addition, a quality bike locker is easy to spot for cyclists, placed in a well-lit area, and in a clear view of building security or parking lot attendants.
Types of Bike Lockers
Typically, bike lockers are rectangular boxes that allow cyclists to lock their bikes in a secure spot. Vertical lockers are also available, but the site planner decides on the bike locker shape based on the area.
Best Locations for Bike Lockers
Easy access is essential for long-term parking options. Therefore, bike lockers should be visible and near businesses for employees. They should also be located near residential developments or dormitories for quick accessibility. Generally, anywhere a person may stay for an extended period can benefit from a bike locker.
Bike Lockups
Bike lockups are different from bike lockers because they house more than two bikes. A bike lockup is a shelter that holds multiple bikes in one location. They provide shelter and keep personal belongings safe from vandalism and theft. Some bike lockups have staff members or security personnel to look after the bikes after a cyclist checks them in the area. A good bike lockup is in a spacious area with a few levels of security.
Types of Bike Lockups
There are two types of bike lockups.
- Bike parking stations – A lockable bike shed that houses multiple bikes. Some stations offer amenities like bicycle repair services and restrooms.
- Bike rooms – A room within a building that houses multiple bikes. Typically, buildings have bike rooms because there wasn’t room for a bike station. However, bike rooms provide a high level of security because they’re inside a building.
Best Location for Bike Lockups
Areas with a generous amount of space are the best location for bike lockups. Businesses or residential buildings should place bike lockups near exits (avoiding staircases or narrow hallways). In addition, it’s best to place bike lockups near drainage systems so any mud and water on the bike can clear away.
Cycling is one of the most popular forms of transportation. However, it’s important to remember that quality bike parking contributes to the usage of bikes. We hope our guide on the different types of bike parking options was helpful to you. If you’re thinking about purchasing any of these bike parking options, then you should consider Handi-Hut. We create custom and quality bike shelters and racks for all your bike parking needs. If you have any questions, contact us today!
