Charlotte Bike Parking Ordinance Facts

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What is the purpose of the ordinance?

Often, those that choose the bicycle as a transportation option for commuting or errands have no secure place to park their bikes upon reaching their destination. The purpose of this ordinance is to meet this need with parking facilities properly designed and located where they are likely to be used. Bicycle parking has been recommended as an important component of the Bicycle Transportation Master Plan adopted in 1999.

When does the ordinance apply?

The ordinance would apply to all new developments and to changes of use whenever an additional five automobile parking spaces are required. The ordinance does not apply to detached or duplex dwellings on a single lot. Long term bicycle parking is not required of multi-family developments or developments of 2500 square feet or less.

How many bicycle parking spaces are required?

Generally short term parking for commercial or office uses will be 5% of required auto parking. Long term parking is generally 1 space per 10,000 square feet in the development or one space per 20 employees. Multi-family developments will require one short term space per 20 units. These are general guidelines and specific use requirements may vary.

What is short and long term bicycle parking?

Short term parking is usually a rack to which a bicycle frame and at least one wheel can be locked. This is commonly used in shopping areas, libraries, etc where the typical parking duration is less than two hours. Long term parking is needed for longer periods by commuters, employees, tenants and residents. This type of parking helps to protect the entire bicycle and its components from theft, vandalism and inclement weather. This can be provided in the form of indoor parking, located in loading dock areas, bike lockers, etc.

What standards apply?

The standards for short term parking include:

• When twenty or more spaces are required, at least half should be covered. Coverage may be as simple as a roof overhang, canopy or anything else that is permanent, at least seven feet in height and protects the bicycle from rainfall.
• The parking should be no more than 120 feet from the entrance it is intended to serve, preferably within 50 feet. Bicycle parking should be at least as near as the nearest nonhandicap automobile parking space. If a building has more than one public entrance, required parking should be arranged to serve each entrance.
• Parking areas need to provide five feet of maneuvering space between the rack and any obstructions.
• If parking is not clearly visible, signs indicating its location should be posted.
• Racks should be firmly anchored to the ground and on a hard surface.

The standards for long term parking include:

• All spaces are to be covered from inclement weather.
• Parking is to be located within 500 feet of the entrance it is intended to serve.
• Parking must be located in areas accessible to long term users but may be restricted from public access.
• Racks and lockers must be securely anchored on a hard surface.
• At least five feet of room must be available to maneuver the bicycle.
• If the parking is not clearly visible, signs indicating its location should be posted.

What types of racks are acceptable?

The ordinance permits flexibility to the rack design. However, only racks which permit the locking of the bicycle frame and at least one wheel will be accepted. This can be achieved by a number of rack designs from the inverted “U” rack style to those of more elaborate design. Racks such as the fence style (also known as “schoolyard” and “wheel bender” racks,) are not acceptable because they offer poor protection and can result in damage to the bicycle.

How much space does bicycle parking require?

That depends on the number of required parking spaces, short or long term parking and the design of the facility. However, a typical automobile parking space could generally accommodate 10-12 short term bicycle parking spaces.

When are showers and clothes lockers required?

Showers and lockers are not required. In some instances, however, providing these facilities may allow a reduction in the number of required automobile spaces. If showers and lockers are provided, their use may be limited only to employees within the development.

When does this ordinance become effective?

The ordinance comes effective upon its adoption by City Council. (The Council adopted the Bicycle Parking Ordinance on March 21, 2005.)