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Bicycle Parking

What to look for - What to avoid

With increased bicycle costs, cyclists now look for racks that will not damage their bikes and allow locking of the wheel and frame with a 'U' lock.

Unfortunately, many parking facilities provided for cyclists are poorly designed and remain unused. Cyclists are forced to lock their bikes to trees and posts, or leaned against building fronts and windows. This not only creates an eyesore, but causes damage to property and becomes a hazard to pedestrians.

The key to providing a safe and effective bicycle parking program is to specify high quality, attractive bike racks. In Australia, this means bicycle racks must at least meet the parking device guidelines established by Austroads Part 14 and AS2890.3.

Here are some guidelines to help you select a bike rack that cyclists will use...

What to look for...

Bicycle racks should attract cyclists and by design should encourage use.
Security - racks must allow the bike frame and wheel(s) to be locked securely.
Protection - racks must support the bicycle frame and not hold the wheel.
Most racks are misused to some degree. Look for racks which provide the same opportunity for security whether the bike is on the end or middle of the rack.
Racks should be built from heavy duty, weather & tamper resistant materials.
Attractive designs encourage property owners to install secure parking facilities.

What to avoid...

These are the main reasons why cyclists will not use some racks


	DAMAGE If a parking device can damage a bike it won't be used. Some racks, so-called wheel benders, can damage the wheels or frame of a bike. If a rack will bend a wheel it won't be used.
	SECURITY Do not buy a rack which does not allow for both the wheel and frame to be locked. Many bicycles have 'quick release' front wheels). Security of the wheel and frame is essential. This effective bike lock is the choice of most expensive bike owners - look at the rack you are thinking about; does it allow for a 'U' lock to secure the wheel and frame to the rack? (Notice this is not possible in the two racks shown above)
	CAPACITY If a specification says a rack will hold ten bikes and knowing what you know now, check it. Where some racks are misused the capacity may be cut by as much as 90%.
	LOOK AROUND See how some rack owners have wasted their money. Cyclists won't used devices that don't secure or support their bike by its frame.
Poor facilities will not be used Examples of Good Bicycle Parking Facilities
	The Cora Expo Series supports the bike frame (not wheel) and encourages locking of the wheel and frame to the rack. The attractive appearance compliments any setting and encourages property owners to provide high quality facilities.
	Suitable for narrow footpaths, and difficult spaces, the standard parking rail supports the bike frame and allows secure locking.
	LOCATION The main thing to remember about locating bike parking units is: Don't try to hide it, because it won't be used. The best locations are adjacent to entrance doors and in line of site of a window. For existing sites put your racks where the bicycles currently are.
Other Parking Devices
	BICYCLE LOCKERS These enclosed units can offer a deluxe storage system. Each unit should have a door for single bike access. These units are expensive and usually require ongoing maintenance and inspection due to vandalism and security concerns.
	BICYCLE ROOMS & COMPOUNDS Secure grounds are a deterrent to theft but unsecured bikes in a bike room or compound are an invitation for theft. A room alone isn't enough — place high quality bicycle racks in the room for the security of each bike.
Finishes and Materials Most good bike racks today are available in a variety of finishes. Paint — Racks that are painted chip and rust — stay clear. Colour coatings — High density colour powder coatings can produce an attractive colourful product that is scratch and corrosion resistant. Colour powder coatings applied directly to a steel frame will rust, while colour powder coatings on a galvanised frame will chip very easily. If you want a colour finish, ask for powder coatings on a zinc electroplated frame. Not recommended for areas within 2km from salt water. Galvanised steel — Virtually maintenance free and weather resistant. Products that have been 'hot-dipped' galvanised post fabrication offer the most durable galvanised finish. Avoid pre-galvanised tube unless using strictly in undercover/underground areas. Stainless steel — Attractive and expensive. Well suited for plazas and for buildings with stainless accessories. Ask for high quality Grade 316 or 304 Stainless Steel. The addition of an electropolish finish increases the shine and adds additional protection.
Conclusions... DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! Be aware of capacity claims and avoid racks which are misused. Do not buy products which hold (pinch) wheels; buy products which permit the bike frame and wheel(s) of the bike to be locked. Locate racks where the cyclists will go - not where you might like them to go. Avoid racks that have a low profile or could cause a hazard to pedestrians. Buy only quality products.