Bicycle Parking
​Encouraging the use of bicycles in our communities may require re-thinking bike parking locations and conditions. A new bicycle today can represent an investment of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Serious bicyclers are understandably protective of their bikes and not inclined to leave them in out-of-the-way, unsecured lots.
If bicycles in your town are chained to lamp-posts or street signs, it's probably because your bike parking is insufficient. Bicycle parking facilities should be located in highly visible, well-lighted and secure areas convenient to stores, public transportation hubs and other high traffic areas. Covered parking or parking lockers are becoming popular in cities with large bicyclist populations.
Bicycle parking at the MBTA station in Alewife, MA.
The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Montpelier, VT as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” on the basis of its engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and planning.
Resources
Portland, OR is way out front on bicycles, and has a whole section of their website dedicated to issues of bicycle parking.
The International Bicycle Fund is a non-governmental, non-profit advocacy organization promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Their web site has lots of great information about bike racks, bike lockers and other bike parking options.
References
[1] Pucher, J., et al. (2011). Bicycling renaissance in North America? An update and re-appraisal of cycling trends and policies. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 45(6), 451-475.
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[2] JBarry, J. M., & Caron, P. L. (2016). Tax Regulation, Transportation Innovation, and the Sharing Economy. University of Chicago Law Review Dialogue, 69.
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[3] Buehler, R. (2012). Determinants of bicycle commuting in the Washington DC region: The role of bicycle parking, cyclist showers, and free car parking at work. Transportation Research Part D: Transportation and Environment, 17(7), 525-531.
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[4] Hamre, A., & Buehler, R. (2014). Commuter Mode Choice and Free Car Parking, Public Transportation Benefits, Showers/Lockers, and Bike Parking at Work: Evidence from the Washington, DC Region. Journal of Public Transportation, 17(2), 67-91.