Bicycle parking rack: Difference between revisions

{{About|bicycle racks, or bike stands, for the parking of bicycles|frames to attach bicycle panniers to a bicycle|Luggage carrier|racks to carry bikes on the outside of motor vehicles|Bicycle carrier|stands to facilitate bicycle servicing|Bicycle stand}}

Bike racks can be constructed from a number of different materials. Durability, weather resistance, appearance, and functionality are extremely important variables of the material of the bike rack. Construction materials includeincluding [[stainless steel]], [[steel]], recycled plastic, orand [[thermoplastic]]. EachDurability, materialweather hasresistance, advantagesappearance and disadvantages,functionality andare eachimportant isfactors uniquewhen inchoosing appearancethis from the othersmaterial.<ref name=Belson/>

The visibility of the bike rack, adequate spacing from automobile parking and pedestrian traffic, weather coverage, and proximity to destinations are all important factors determining usefulness of a bicycle rack., Thesehelping factorsto willincrease help increaseits usage of the bike rack, and assure cyclists that their bikebikes isare securely parked.<ref name=pedestrian>Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. "Bicycle Parking." ''Bicyclinginfo.org.'' U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Web. 4 September 2009. <http://www.bicyclinginfo.org {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830031303/http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/ |date=30 August 2009 }}>.</ref>

[[File:Low-tech bicycle rack at Bailiffscourt Hotel - geograph.org.uk - 1593931.jpg|thumb|left|Simple grooved bicycle rack (2006)]]

Early models tend to offer a means of securing one wheel: these can be a grooved piece of [[concrete]] in the ground, a forked piece of metal into which a wheel of the bicycle is pushed, or a horizontal "ladder" providing positions for the front wheel of many bicycles. These are not very effective, since a thief need only detach the wheel in question from the bicycle to free the rest of the bicycle. They also do not offer much support, and a row of bicycles in this type of stand are susceptible to all being toppled in a [[domino effect]]. These types of stand are known as "wheel benders" among cyclists.

A modern version is known as the "Sheffield rack" or "Sheffield stand" after the city of [[Sheffield]] in England where these were pioneered.<ref name="CCC">{{Cite web | url = http://www.camcycle.org.uk/resources/glossary/ | publisher = Cambridge Cycling Campaign | title = Glossary of cycle campaigning: Sheffield rack/stand | accessdateaccess-date = 16 June 2013 | url-status = live | archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222155146/http://www.camcycle.org.uk/resources/glossary/ | archivedatearchive-date = 22 February 2014 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> These consist of a thick metal bar or tube bent into the shape of a square arch. The top part is about level with the top bar of the bicycle frame, and thus supports the bicycle and allows the frame to be secured. The origin of the racks was when the frugal citizens of Sheffield had to decide what to do with some old gas piping.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}} Local cyclists suggested the cycle rack idea and two simple bends later, and a little concrete in the ground, the rack was born. At the time this was a revolution in a world of 'single-point holders' that bent wheels and offered little lockability for frames. A version of this design feature a second, lower horizontal bar to support smaller bikes (this version is also known as "A stand"), and are coated to reduce their surface [[hardness]] and to not scratch the bike's paintwork.

Since 1984 the [[Toronto|City of Toronto]] has installed post and ring bicycle racks<ref name="Toronto1">{{Cite web | url = http://www.toronto.ca/bug/bp_choosingrack.htm | title = Toronto: Bicycle parking -– Choosing a rack | accessdateaccess-date = 2007-12-27 | url-status = dead | archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050208214433/http://www.toronto.ca/bug/bp_choosingrack.htm | archivedatearchive-date = 8 February 2005 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> consisting of a steel bollard or post topped by a cast aluminium ring.<ref name="Toronto2">{{Cite web | url = http://www.toronto.ca/bug/bp_choosingrack.htm#recommended | title = Toronto: Bicycle parking -– Recommended racks | accessdateaccess-date = 2007-12-27 | url-status = dead | archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050208214433/http://www.toronto.ca/bug/bp_choosingrack.htm#recommended | archivedatearchive-date = 8 February 2005 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> In August 2006, it became publicly known that these stands could be defeated by prying the ring off with a [[Dimensional lumber|two-by-four]], limiting its effectiveness in high-crime areas.

In [[Amsterdam]] two-tiered bicycle stands are ubiquitous. Bikes can be parked in a smaller area as the [[Bicycle handlebar|handlebars]] (usually wider than the back of the bicycle) of every other one is at a different height (either high or low). These racks are made of steel and have a large bar to which the frame may be easily locked. Most Dutch bicycles have a rear wheel lock, so that wheel need not be locked.

:Some locations require Class I standards (commonly referred to as long-term bike parking). Class I parking regulations{{According to whom|date=July 2023}} are implemented when bicycles will be parked for hours at a time. Examples of these environments are office buildings, elementary schools, libraries, etc. When implementing Class I bike racks, installers should also incorporate some form of weather protection for the racks and bikes.<ref name= pedestrian/> (See also [[Bicycle parking station]].)

:More commonly seen in public areas are Class II bike racks.{{According to whom|date=July 2023}} These bike racks are needed when cyclists will be leaving their bikes unattended for less than two hours. Weather protection is not as important for this class, however proximity to main attractions and public visibility should be considered to encourage usage and enhance security. Class II bike racks can be implemented near restaurants, parks, picnic areas, or other similar places.<ref name=VTPI>Victoria Transport Policy Institute. "Bicycle Parking: Bicycle Parking, Storage, and Changing Facilities." ''TDM Encyclopedia.'' Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI), 27 August 2007. Web. 4 September 2009. <{{cite web |url=http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm85.htm |title=ArchivedOnline copyTDM Encyclopedia – Bicycle Parking |accessdateaccess-date=2011-04-26 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606180439/http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm85.htm |archivedatearchive-date=6 June 2011 |df=dmy-all }}>.</ref>

Many different styles of bike rack are available to match any environment. Specific details such as bolt size, tubing diameter, tubing style (square or round), height, length, and many other things vary with manufacturer, but typically, there are six general styles of commercial bike rack.<ref name=VTPI>Victoria Transport Policy Institute. "Bicycle Parking: Bicycle Parking, Storage, and Changing Facilities." ''TDM Encyclopedia.'' Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI), 27 August 2007. Web. 4 September 2009. <{{cite web |url=http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm85.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-04-26 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606180439/http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm85.htm |archivedate=6 June 2011 |df=dmy-all }}>.</ref><ref name="TransportationAlternatives">{{Cite web| url= http://www.transalt.org/blueprint/chapter12/chapter12c.html| title= Transportation Alternative, On-Street Bicycle Parking: Bike Racks| accessdate= 2007-12-27| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080119153602/http://www.transalt.org/blueprint/chapter12/chapter12c.html| archivedate= 19 January 2008| url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://der-fahrradtraeger-test.de/ |title=Various types of bicycle racks (German: Die verschiedenen Arten) |accessdateaccess-date=4 December 2016 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220054113/http://der-fahrradtraeger-test.de/ |archivedatearchive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

| Basic bike rack that is used in urban areas because it can be placed along sidewalks without taking too much space away from pedestrians.<ref name=palmer>{{cite web | url = http://www.bikeparking.com | title = Palmer Group | date = 4 September 2009 | url-status = live | archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100327192339/http://www.bikeparking.com/ | archivedatearchive-date = 27 March 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

| [[File:Bicycle stand.JPG|thumb|none|alt=An open A-frame of thick steel tubing. Attached underneath the crossbar is a spiral of thinner metal tubing. It is painted blue, but much of the paint has flaked off, leaving rust. A mountain bike and a child's bike are parked in it and two abandoned D-locks hang from it. In the background is a brick-and-plaster building and behind the rack, to the right, is a car parking space.|A spiral-shaped rack, functionally similar to a ladder rack, in [[Calgary]], Alberta]]]]

*'''Rail mounts:''' Some bike rack units can be connected with rails. This type allows using single bike racks, while limiting the number of mounts be implemented. Rail mounts are mostly used to connect multiple ‘U’'U' Racks so each rack need not be mounted, saving labor costs and limiting the number of holes in the surface.<ref name=Belson/>

*'''Wall Mountsmounts:''' Certain bike racks are designed to be mounted to the wall using bolts to connect flanges of the rack onto existing walls. These conserve floor space and are most useful for long-term storage.

*'''Removable Mountsmounts:''' Some models of bike stands and bike bollards can be installed with mounting systems that allow them to become temporarily removable. Removable mountings are used in areas where removing the bike stand or bike bollard could permit temporary access to emergency, delivery and maintenance vehicles.

*'''[[Thermoplastic|Thermoplastic-coated]]:''' This [[polyethylene]] matte finish is usually available in a wide range of colors as well. The powder coating, applied for corrosion protection, can easily match existing surroundings, and creates a finish without runs or drips.<ref name=thermo>"Thermoplastic Powder for Outdoor Furniture." ''PF Online.'' Ed. Steven R. Kline. Gardner Publications, Inc, 2009. Web. 4 September 2009. <{{cite web |url=http://www.pfonline.com/ |title=ArchivedProducts copyFinishing Online – Main Page |accessdateaccess-date=2009-01-21 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090127010324/http://www.pfonline.com/ |archivedatearchive-date=27 January 2009 |df=dmy-all }}>.</ref>

*'''[[Stainless steel]]:''' Stainless steel is the most durable material for a bike rack. It has maximum corrosion protection, is antimicrobial, and has a glossy appearance that is easy to clean and maintain.<ref name=SSINA>{{cite web|title=Stainless Steel Overview: Features & Benefits|url=http://www.ssina.com/|work=The Stainless Steel Information Center|publisher=Speciality Steel Industry of North America|accessdateaccess-date=16 June 2013|url-status=live|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717225412/http://ssina.com/|archivedatearchive-date=17 July 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

However, while a bike rack should be implemented in a visible area, it is important that the bike rack have adequate spacing away from pedestrians and other traffic. Bike riders will need ample space to maneuver their bike around and into the rack, without hitting other parked bikes, cars, or people. It is also important to place bike racks far enough away from doorways, sidewalks, or paths where it may obstruct traffic flow.<ref name=VTPI/>

Another important factor to consider is weather protection. If bike racks are being used for long-term parking, the bike rack should be placed under some form of weather protection. This will not only help protect the bike rack from corrosion, but also encourage bike riders to store their bikes there for extended periods of time.<ref name=VTPI/>

Although the primary use for a bicycle stand is for parking, it is useful at times to use it for adjustments.maintenance and adjustments. While it is difficult to spin a rear wheel while making derailleur adjustments, if a stand were high enough to support the rear of the bike by the saddle nose, then this problem could be solved. Generally speaking, stands are not high enough for this and quite often have bracings and other obstructions in their construction that would prevent such use.

[[File:BicycleColorful metal bicycle parking rack in garageLysekil 2.jpg|thumb|right|ReplacingMulti-color inmetal abicycle garage,parking arack singlein car parking place[[Lysekil]], by a set of U-rack parking spots.Sweden]]