Proudly Made in Ontario
By Greenspoke
Bike parking is an important part of creating a cycling-friendly community, workplace, campus, residential development, or public space. However, poor placement, inadequate capacity, and a lack of weather protection can make bike parking less convenient and secure for cyclists.
Whether you’re planning for a new development or adding to a public space, avoiding a few common mistakes can make a significant difference. Here are five common bike parking mistakes, and what you can do to steer clear of them.
Installing Too Few Bike Racks
One of the most common mistakes is not providing enough bike parking. Many install racks based on current demand, however cycling infrastructure should account for future growth as well as current demand as more people choose two wheels for commuting, recreation, and everyday transportation. Consider the number of employees, residents, students, or visitors and the surrounding cycling infrastructure. Review local regulations and bike parking requirements when planning a new project and allow room for future expansion.
Not Considering Weather Protection
Canadian weather can be tough on both cyclists and their bikes. Harsh weather conditions can affect the condition of bicycles over time. Plus, cyclists will be less likely to use exposed bike parking when the weather is less desirable. Consider a bike shelter or positioning bike racks under an overhang wherever possible.
Installing Bike Racks in Inconvenient Locations
Even the best bike rack won’t be useful if cyclists have to go out of their way to use it. Bike parking that is hidden behind a building, located too far from an entrance, or difficult to access, may discourage people from using it. Cyclists generally want bike parking to be convenient, visible, and easily accessible. Place bike parking close to building entrances, major pedestrian routes, trail access points, or other destinations whenever possible. The route to the bike parking should be easy to identify and should not require cyclists to navigate unnecessary obstacles.
Forgetting Accessibility
Bike parking should be convenient for everyone who uses it. A poorly designed bike parking area can create conflicts with pedestrians, block accessible routes, or make it difficult for some cyclists to maneuver their bikes. Accessibility should be considered as part of the overall site design rather than added as an afterthought. Keep bike parking out of required pedestrian and accessible travel paths. Provide clear routes and consider how people with different mobility needs will access the surrounding space.
Ignoring Security
Cyclists need to feel confident that their bicycles will still be there when they return. It’s also important that cyclists feels safe when parking their bike. Choose bike racks that allow users to secure the bicycle frame and wheel with a quality lock. Consider additional security measures such as well-lit areas and public places.
The right bike parking solution will depend on location, users, available space, security requirements, and weather conditions. By considering the complete user experience, communities and organizations can create bike parking that is easily accessible and that cyclists actually want to use. Get in touch with us today to discuss your bike parking needs and find the right Greenspoke solutions for your space.
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