STANDARDS FOR PARKING BICYCLES

Some cities follow standards for bicycle parking similar to the zoning code requirement for a minimum supply of automobile parking at buildings and other facilities. Certain other cities allow bicycle parking to substitute for a portion of automobile parking. The following tables illustrate and provide examples of such standards:

(N.B – While Class I bicycle parking provides complete protection for a bicycle and its gear, Class II facilities are simply racks that a bicycle can be securely locked to.)

Minimum Bicycle Parking Requirements (Portland)
Type of Establishment Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces
Primary or secondary school 10% of the number of students, plus 3% of the number of employees.
College or university classrooms 6% of the number of students, plus 3% of the number of employees.
Dorms, fraternities and sororities One space per 3 residents.
Commercial – retail or office One space per 3,000 sq. ft. of commercial space or 5-10% of the number of automobile spaces.
Sport and recreation center 10-20% of the number of automobile spaces
Movie theater or restaurant 5-10% of the number of automobile spaces.
Industrial 2-5% of the number of automobile spaces.
Multi-unit housing 1 space per 1-2 apartments.
Public transit stations Varies, depending on usage.

 

Example of Bicycle Parking Requirements (Litman, et al, 1999)

Land Use Bicycle Spaces Required Type
RESIDENTIAL
Single family / two family
N/A
N/A
Apartment / Townhouse 1 per unit plus 6 space rack at each building entrance. Class I 100%
Class II 6 space rack
COMMERCIAL
Hotel / Motel 1 per 15 rooms. In addition, when hotel/motel is greater than 75 rooms, a 6 space visitor rack shall be provided Class I 60%
Class II 40%
Office, retail sales of goods and services, restaurants, research establishments, laboratories 1 per 250 m2 GFA for the first 5000 m2 and 1 per 500 m2 for any additional area Class I 50%
Class II 50%
Shopping Centre 1 per 250 m2 of gross leas able area for the first 3000 m2 and 1 per 500 m2 of gross leasable area for any additional area. Class I 30%
Class II 70%
INDUSTRIAL (ALL) 1 per 950 m2 GFA Class I 80%
Class II 20%
INSTITUTIONAL    
Hospitals 1 per 500 m2 Class I 75%
Class II 25%
Schools All levels: 1 per 10 employees Class I employees college, university 10%
Class II students
Elementary 1 per 10 students  
Junior Secondary 1 per 8 students  
Senior Secondary 1 per 8 students  
College 1 per 5 students  
University 1 per 5 students (full time, max. attendance)  
Churches 1 per 50 members Class II 100%
Library / Museum/ Art Gallery a per 100 m2 GFA Class I 20%
Class II 80%
Personal Care / Nursing Home / Group Home 1 per 15 dwelling units Class I 75%
Class II 25%
Correctional Institutions 1 per 50 beds Class I 70%
Class II 30%
CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL    
Community Centre 1 per 80 m2 of GFA Class I 20%
Class II 80%
Stadium, Arena, Pool, Exhibition Hall, similar places with spectator facilities 1 per 100 m2 of surface area Class I 20%
Class II 80%
Gymnasium, Health Spa 1 per 80 m2 of surface area Class I 20%
Class II 80
Bowling Alley, Curling Rink 1 per 2 alleys or sheets

Class I 20%
Class II 80%

RECOMMENDATIONS & BEST PRACTICES FOR BIKE STORAGE -
Bike storage facilities should be located where it is convenient, secure, visible, has sufficient clearance and provides adequate protection from weather - Bike racks created for bike storage units should not be located in places where it hinders pedestrian traffic - Suitable bike storage/ parking should be provided where cyclists stop - Bicycle racks should be selected by looking for racks that support the frame of the bikes and ensuring that they are secure - Well protected, long-term bike storage should be made available to commuters, residents in places where it is likely for cyclists to leave their bikes unattended for over two hour periods. Ideally, showers and clothes lockers should also be made available in the vicinity of the bike storage facility It should always be kept in mind that access, attractiveness and functionality of the bike storage facilities are critical for their acceptance and use.