Cyclists just like motorist also need facilities specifically designed for parking and storing their bicycles. These facilities should be able to provide both security and convenience. According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), bicycle transportation despite its immense health and environmental benefits faces major challenges due to lack of a clear Federal policy regulating the provision of the aforementioned facilities. A walk around towns and educational facilities will reveal the magnitude of the problem through the sheer number of bicycles that are parked haphazardly. A common scenario is bicycles chained to lamp posts and trees. However, this would be corrected if the development of bicycle parking would be done in accordance with some of the factors listed below, especially for organizations seeking to encourage their workers to ride to work in a bid to improve their health and boost productivity.
The first factor is the type of the bicycle storage facility as well as its location. Sheds bike locker is a type of bicycle parking facility that offers a higher level of security than a bike rack. Some lockers and racks are best suited for very specific situations and would be influenced by the surrounding architectural design. The United States has two main parking requirements that affect the setting up of bike storage facilities. Class II or short-term parking facilities where the bikes get to be left for short periods of time. This type of a bike parking facility is usually situated as close as possible to the intended destination and may have a part of it sheltered and another portion open. The second bike parking requirement is the class I parking intended for cyclists who want to park their bikes for lengthy periods of time. Security at the latter bike parking facility is usually on high alert since the owners usually tend to be away for longer periods of time. In addition, they feature cycle shelters and have well designed racks storage.
The second factor that should be considered when putting
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up bike lockers and racks is the visibility aspect. These facilities should be highly visible so that cyclists can be able to spot them from afar. Visibility also serves to deter opportunistic burglars or people who would wish to cause malicious damage to the bicycles.
Thirdly, when setting up a bike parking facility, you have to be very particular about security. Security can be enhanced through the use of CCTV surveillance and adequate lighting. Some bikes, especially the sports variety, cost quite a bit of money and so extra security measures should be put in place to protect them and obviously others as well. They have to be equipped with well anchored lockers and racks to deter theft and vandalism. There have been instances where organizations have even installed electronic card systems for added security. The storage wheel hook is usually added for extra support and security.
Fourthly, a good bike parking and storage facility has to have some degree of weather protection. Short-term parking facilities do not have to be entirely covered from the elements. This is due to the following reason. According to the US Census Bureau, the population of cyclists tends to increase during summer when shelter for the bikes is not really that critical.
The fifth factor is clearance. Cyclists need enough clearance in bike storage areas so that they can be able to maneuver around. Each bike should have a standard 2 by 6 feet parking space to itself. The bike racks and lockers should not cause obstruction to fire hydrants and building entrances.
The best bicycle parking is usually one that is located near amenities that are vital to cyclists. Some of these amenities include dressing rooms, washrooms and power supply sockets for charging bicycle batteries.
The following design recommendations of an ideal bike parking facility are sanctioned by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals’ (APBP) as published in their Bicycle Parking Guidelines of 2002.
- Since cycle racks vary in size and design, it is important for individuals and organizations to pick up a style that is best suited for their needs as well as building style and location. The best racks hold the frame of the bike and are easy to incorporate the use of a shackle lock such as a U-lock.
- Bike parking does not necessarily have to be on the floor. Racks have been mounted on the ceilings and walls for a stunning décor. The topeak mount is a special type of bike mount that holds a bike in an organized way thus eliminating any bike clutter at the garage or house.
- Apart from holding the wheels of the bicycle, a good bike storage mount should also hold the frame.
- It should also be able to hold a varying range of wheel sizes and bike frames such as the foldable frame.
- It should secure both the wheel and frame. The topeak dual mount is a clear winner in this aspect. It is capable of supporting 4 bikes and can be adjusted through a 30 degree arc. Its height adjustment can comfortably reach the incredible height of 320 cm or 3.2 meters.
- The painting of the facility has to be chip proof as it will be glazed a lot by numerous bikes.
- It should be devoid of sharp corners which can cause punctures to the bike tires and injuries to the cyclists.
Avoid the wheel bender, which is an old fashioned bike storage and parking facility, as it only holds the bike’s front or rear wheel and leaves out the frame. As such, the use of added security devices such as the U-lock is unattainable. Racks built using the wave design also tend to have a far less capacity than advertised since they the perpendicularly parked bikes are only held at two points. According to APBP, staggered racks are the best since they allow for more bikes to be held in a single rack.