For Bicycles to be accepted as a way to get around our city and to appeal to more of our community, bicycle parking needs to be:
easy – convenient – secure – functional
A bike parking ordinance was called out as something the city of Colorado Springs should strive for in the Applying the Best Solutions section of the Bicycle Master Plan. Bike COS is working on drafting and proposing that a Bike Parking Ordinance be added as part of the RetoolCOS – Zoning Ordinance Update.
Below you will find resources for choosing a functional bike rack and where that bike rack should be placed on your property or in the public right of way.
When reading through the options below keep in mind; some bike parking is better than no bike parking.
Avoid The “School Rack”
School Racks can be a solution for riders parking their bikes for short periods especially when locking is less critical, like in locations where a rider can keep watch of their bike
Historically, the most common bike racks are the type found in many school yards, the grid rack, or often referred to as a “wheelbender”. While these racks are easy for people to roll their bicycles in and out of, they don’t have two contact points to rest the bicycle against, which easily allows bicycles to fall over on each other, sometimes bending the front wheel. These racks also make it very difficult to lock both the bicycle frame and wheel(s) to the rack (and virtually impossible with a U-lock). Because of the difficulty to lock to, this style of rack is often seen with only two bikes locked on each end as the ends of the school rack are easier to secure to. If only one wheel is locked, it is quite easy to remove a quick-release front or rear wheel from the bicycle by hand (even with a lock attached to it) and simply walk away with the rest of the bicycle if the frame is not also locked.
Racks To Avoid
While any bike rack is better than no bike rack, usability is important; the below rack styles miss on some of the key requirements that make bike parking secure and practical.
Grid/School Rack
Wheel Only Rack
Coat Hanger Rack
Wave Rack
Other Considerations
Bicycles used for carrying children and cargo are becoming more popular. These bikes, whether cargo bikes or bikes with trailers, often require more space for parking.
Family and cargo bicycles range in size from 7 to 10 feet in length, and bicycles with cargo bins may be 2 to 3 feet wide. Bicycles with trailers have additional space considerations. For more details visit this bicycle security advisors post on the topic.
Cargo/Family Bike Parking
Bike Racks to Consider
Bike racks for public parking are available in many shapes, sizes and finishes; from custom designed art bike racks that complement your space to utilitarian racks that accommodate many bikes at a low cost. Below are some examples of bike racks that provide practical, secure parking options for a wide range of bike types and sizes. The racks shown are available from Dero
Art Rack
Inverted U
Post and Ring
Wheel-Well Secured
Location and Installation
If bicyclists can’t find your bike rack, they won’t use it. We recommend placing a bike rack within 50 ft of an entrance or at least as close as the nearest car parking stall.Racks placed behind buildings or in other out-of-sight locations give thieves more time to work unnoticed.
Of course, a bike rack can only park the maximum number of bikes if it is placed in a location away from obstructions. Also, a bike rack shouldn’t obstruct other objects such as street furniture, access doors, or right of way.
A bike rack is only as secure as the surface and way it is mounted. Use an appropriate installation surface and technique to ensure that the bike rack remains secure and attractive over time.
Choose the Right Rack
Bike Racks come in all shapes, sizes and finishes. But when choosing a bike rack the most important criteria is it’s functionality; ask yourself these questions.
Is it easy to securely lock a bike to the rack?
Is it easy for the bike to remain standing while it’s locked to the rack?
The image below shows racks that are appropriate and meet these criteria including support at two points. The image also highlight common racks that don’t make securing your bike easy.
APBP BICYCLE PARKING GUIDELINES
Installing bicycle parking might seem like a pretty straightforward, but how do you know what type of rack is preferred by riders, and how many times have you seen bikes chained to trees or parking meters within a few feet of a bike rack!
The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) pulled together a task force to develop recommendations on bicycle parking guidelines, including bicycle rack selection, location and placement that answers these questions and will ensure quality bicycle parking.
Colorado Springs Zoning Guidelines
In February of 2023 Colorado Springs City Council adopted an updated zoning code (known as ReToolCOS) which for the first time includes bicycle parking minimums while these are only required for new developments these official city bike parking guidelines are helpful for guiding you or you business in you bicycle parking needs.
Click here for the final draft of Chapter 7, the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. There are many details that affect the walkability and bikeability of our city, text from the bike parking section (7.4.1007) is shown below.
Sourcing Bike Parking Locally
Use the same rack as PikeRide
PikeRide, our local Colorado Springs Bike Share Operator specifies the following bike rack at their hubs and throughout their service area.
If you are within the PikeRide Service area, and want a bikeshare hub at your location please email PikeRide at Info@PikeRide.org to discuss the detail of having a hub installed.
PikeRide can help you source and install racks for a fee through the PikeRide Community Bike Rack program, a great way to support our local non profit bike share while getting bike racks installed at your store or business.
Ted’s Bicycles
Teds Bicycles has long been a resource businesses in Colorado Springs could rely on to help source and install bike parking locally.
Free delivery & concrete installation (in Pikes Peak Region) for racks with Ted’s Bicycles sign. Other than concrete, installation is the responsibility of the property owner/manager.
Delivery for bike racks without Ted’s Bicycles sign ranges from $10.00-$30.00 average, depending on zip code. Installation of flange or grid racks without sign is $15.00.
For more information on Rack Options and Pricing Contact Ted’s Bicycles
Major Commercial Bike Rack manufacturers
Long Term bike parking for employees or residents
Long term bike storage is an amenity being desired at a growing rate for people across our region whether you manage a workplace or a residence(condo, apartment complex). A bike storage facility can be one of the most used areas on the property. The right location and the right layout can ensure convenience as well as added security.
Bike Rooms
Bike Locker COS
bike shelter
Bike room w/rack combination
City of Colorado Springs Zoning and Codes
Revocable Permits
A Surface Revocable Permit is required for a bicycle racks located within the right-of-way must comply with the following:
- The location must not interrupt the flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic
- The location must not interfere with the public’s normal use of the property
- The location cannot interfere with any lawfully existing structure; and
- The structure or use must not occupy more than 1/5 of the width of any paved sidewalk.
Contact COS Planning and Development for information on revocable permits for bike racks
Form Based Code
This code applies only to Downtown Colorado Springs but does provide some bike parking recommendations.
Form Based Code
2.8.4.2 Bicycle Storage
1. All building projects shall provide adequate bike racks and/or storage areas for employees, customers, and residents.
2. Bike racks and/or storage areas should be located within 100 feet from the entry points to all building types. Bike racks and/or storage areas should be located near high traffic areas but should not impede the function of the pedestrian way.
3. Bike racks should be easy to recognize, attractive, and functional. Innovative bike rack designs are encouraged, especially when located within the public roadside. Bike storage areas should be well lit and designed according to the needs of the user – bike cages or lockers should be provided for long term bike parking where warranted.
Link to Full detail on Urban Planning and Colorado Springs Form Based Code
Mixed Use Development Code
No property is currently zoned mixed use but these are the requirements for developments zoned in this way
7.3.716: MIXED USE BICYCLE PARKING AND FACILITIES:
All MU developments shall provide bicycle facilities to meet the following standards:
A. Amount: A minimum number of bicycle parking spaces shall be provided, equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of automobile parking spaces provided by the development, but not less than one space.
B. Location: Bicycle parking facilities shall be located no farther than one hundred feet (100′) away from a building entrance, shall be visible from the land uses they serve, and shall not be located in remote automobile parking areas. Facilities shall not be located in places that impede pedestrian or automobile traffic flow or that would cause damage to landscaping.
C. Design: Spaces for short term bicycle parking shall provide a means for the bicycle frame and one wheel to be attached to a permanent fixture, designed for securing bicycles, by means of a lock.
D. Off Street Parking Space Credit For Bicycle Parking: Off street parking credit for bicycle parking shall comply with the following standards:
1. When a development site is adjacent to a designated bike route, the City may reduce the required minimum number of off street parking spaces for provision of bicycle parking by one off street vehicle space for every six (6) bicycle spaces, up to a maximum reduction of five percent (5%), and
2. The City may reduce the required minimum number of off street parking spaces by one off street vehicle space for every six (6) bicycle parking spaces, for on site showers/changing rooms, or bicycle lockers, up to a maximum reduction of ten percent (10%). (Ord. 03-157; Ord. 09-74)
Parking Standards
7.4.204: ALTERNATIVE PARKING OPTIONS:
A. Purpose: If the conditions of this section are met, the minimum off street parking requirements in section 7.4.203 of this part may be adjusted.
Adjustments to the minimum off street parking requirements may be requested as part of a new or amended development plan. Adjustments to the minimum off street parking requirements will not be considered in conjunction with a request for administrative relief for off street parking. The minimum number of off street parking spaces to be provided for single-family detached residences may not be adjusted.
Click Through for more details about using bicycle parking to reduce the automobile parking needs of a new development
