Draft Bicycle Parking Ordinance Factsheet

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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.

The ordinance would apply to new and modified developments whenever a parking plan is required. It is also required of developments in the MUDD, NS, PED, UI, UMUD and UR zoning districts. 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.

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.

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 usually protects the entire bicycle and its components from theft, vandalism and inclement weather. This can be provided in the form of a bike locker, fenced parking areas, indoor rooms, etc.

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 offer security from theft of the bike and its components. Security may be offered by lockers, a locked room, fenced enclosures or within view of an attendant. Areas monitored by cameras may suffice if the camera is clearly visible from the parking area. Long term parking may be limited to employees or others.
• 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.

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 security and can result in damage to the bicycle.

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.

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.

The ordinance comes effective upon its adoption by City Council.

12-6-04