The following should be observed when selecting and locating bike storage facilities: Since all bicycles racks are not designed in a similar manner, one has to pay special attention to when choosing a bike rack for specific bike storage units. Among the array of available styles, some bike racks maybe ideal for certain situations, while others maybe unsuitable or even harmful for the particular bike storage facility. A good bike rack would hold the bicycle frame and allow it to be held by a U-lock.

The wheelbender bike racks that were used originally as bike storage would only hold the bicycle’s wheel and cannot accommodate the U-shaped shackle lock which many experienced cyclists use today. Bike storage or parking may be provided in floor, wall or ceiling mounted racks as long as they meet the following requirements:

- The bike rack holds the bicycle frame, and not just its wheel - Allows a U-lock to be used - Can accommodate a wide range of bicycle types - The bike rack is covered with material that will not cause any damage to the paint of the bicycle that is leant against it - Does not have sharp edges or other such hazards

Today, any rack that only holds the wheel or is unsuitable for a U-lock is not considered a popular bike storage facility.

In order to ensure the use of the bike storage facility by cyclists, one should choose locations that are easy to find, convenient to use and secure enough against bike thefts. Bike storage facilities could be located where bicycles are already being parked or at places that are recommended by bicycle advisory groups. Special permits may be required if one wishes to install bicycle parking on a sidewalk or in front of a building.

Those who require the bike storage facility for a period less than two hours may avail of this facility. Short term bike storage or parking provides shoppers, messengers and the like a convenient and readily accessible place to park their bicycles while they attend to their errands. These bike storage facilities are usually located within 50 feet of the building entrance and in instances of multiple entrances in a building; the parking would be distributed to serve all entrances. At least 50% of the parking area within the bike storage facility should be covered if more than 10 short-term spaces are utilized.

Every effort must be made to locate the bike storage facility in a visible and prominent location in order to make it easier for cyclists to see the parking area. If a bicycle rack is visually or physically isolated in bike storage it will not be used and could be an easy target for bike thieves.

Bicycle racks in the bike storage area should be located clear of pedestrian traffic and should afford adequate space for the cyclist to maneuver his bicycle and gear. Bicycle racks serving as bike storage may be located on sidewalks or pathways provided there is adequate clearance for pedestrian traffic. A rail or eyelets which are secured onto a building wall could suffice to lock the bicycle where it is out of the way of traffic.

Long-term bike storage facilities are mainly used by employees, students, residents, commuters and the like who stay at a site for several hours. These people require the bike storage or parking facility for several hours and hence, security and weather-protection for the bicycles become a chief concern in bike storage. Ideally, long-term bike storage/ parking should be located on site or within 750 feet of the site since daily bicycle commuters would be wiling to walk a short distance (i.e. three blocks) if the bike storage/ parking facility provides adequate security. The following would make the cyclists confident that their bike is secure in the bike storage facility:

- Areas monitored by a security camera
- Locations that are visible from employee work areas
- A locked room or an area enclosed by a fence with a locked gate
- Within view of an attendant or a security guard

Owing to the duration that the bike would be parked in the bike storage area, at least 50% of long-term bike storage/ parking should be covered so as to provide weather protection. Indoor bike storage would be the best option since it is often possible to find a secure room or an area in a basement or under a stairway. Other such interior spaces that don’t have any other usage would do just as well for bike storage. Wall-mounted bike racks are ideally suited to indoor bike storage. However, sufficient lighting is imperative since lighting increases security of property and personal safety of a bike storage facility.

One could opt for enclosed bike lockers in bike storage areas with a lesser degree of security or where it is difficult to provide complete weather protection. Bikers may even be willing to pay a monthly fee to lease such lockers in the bike storage area.

The long-term bike storage facility should never stand in isolation. If the bike rack in the bike storage area is visibly or physically isolated, it could be easily overlooked by the cyclists and also be an easy target for thieves.