Bike Parking

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The Transportation and Mobility (TAM) Department periodically installs bike racks and corrals within the public right-of-way based on utilization or demand as funding becomes available. Providing bicycle parking encourages people to use their bicycles as transportation. People are more likely to use a bicycle if they are confident that they will find convenient and secure parking at their destination. Providing a designated area for bicycle parking also gives a more orderly appearance to a building and prevents cyclists from locking their bicycles to unacceptable fixtures, such as small trees, benches, or railings. However, if a bicycle rack appears insecure, does not fit bicycles well, or is in the wrong location, bicyclists will not use it. 

Please follow the links below for more information about preferred bike racks, installation, and existing bike rack locations:

Types of Bike Parking

Generally, TAM installs "inverted u" style racks. These types of racks allow users to support and lock the bicycle upright in two places.

bike parking3   

 

When space allows, TAM also installs bike parking areas with more than one rack that are protected by bollards called bike corrals, as shown below. 

Progresso Village Bike Corral

 

Bike Parking Standards

Transportation and Mobility advises developers, business owners, and other interested parties on the best practices for the installation of bike parking. To this end, it has created the following Bicycle Parking Standards pdf.

Bicycle Parking Placement

Bicycle parking must be convenient for daily use and short-term use, not simply for storage of bicycles. Location is an extremely important factor in the usefulness of a bicycle rack.

bike parking 2

 

Successful bicycle rack installation considers the safety and accessibility of the user and the bicycle. It also allows for adequate space to maneuver a bicycle in and out. Safe locations are:

  • In full view, maximizing visibility and minimizing vandalism, near pedestrian traffic, windows, and/or well-lit areas.
  • Far enough away from the street or parking spaces so that bicycles will not be damaged by cars, setback if possible.
  • Not obstructing pedestrian traffic. A minimum clearance of 4 feet is recommended. Bicycle rack areas on or adjacent to sidewalks and plazas should be detectable with the long cane used by people who are visually impaired to detect obstacles and tripping hazards. A detectable device should be added for racks that cannot be located outside the pedestrian path of travel.
  • Close to the main entrance of a building. For short-term parking within 25 feet is ideal but no more than 50 feet.
  • Under shade or cover, to protect bicycles from inclement weather.

Bicycle Parking Design and Installation

Successful bike parking enables users to properly lock and unlock a bicycle without it flopping over due to the front wheel turning. This means that the bike rack should support the bicycle frame and also prevents the front wheel from turning. Appropriate bike rack design:

  • Supports the bicycle upright on a horizontal plane by its frame in two places.
  • Prevents the wheel of the bicycle from tipping or flopping over.
  • Enables the frame and one or both wheels to be secured.
  • Supports bicycles without a diamond-shaped frame or a horizontal top tube (ex. step-through frame).
  • Allows front-in parking: a U-lock should be able to lock the front wheel and the down tube of an upright bicycle.
  • Allows back-in parking: a U-lock should be able to lock the rear wheel and seat tube of the bicycle.
  • Allows use from both sides.

For more information, please see the City of Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Parking Standards pdf.

Bike Parking Map

Coming soon!