Selecting the Best Bike Parking Rack
The bike rack you select as part of your bicycle parking design is the primary factor in the success of the design. In this video we’ll review what makes a good bike rack and the best options for bike parking.
Must-have Features for Bike Racks
When selecting a good bike parking rack, there are common features a rack must possess.
First off, a bike rack should generate two points of contact on the frame of the bicycle. These points-of-contact should be spread out along the length of the frame and not above each other. This will provide proper support for the bicycle.
The bike rack should also allow for both the frame and at least one wheel to be secured to the rack, using a u-style lock. When only a wheel can be locked to the rack, because of quick-release systems, wheels can easily be removed. Leaving the rest of the bicycle vulnerable to theft.
The bike rack also needs to be durable enough to resist cutting, bending or deformation. Many thieves will attack the rack to gain access to and steal bicycles.
Make sure the racks used in your bike parking are thick enough and made of materials that resist cutting or bending with common hand tools that can be easily carried/concealed in backpacks or coats.
Lastly, the bike rack needs to securely mount to the ground. When a rack can be dislodged from the ground it becomes useless.
Best Bike Racks for Bike Parking
Inverted U Bike Racks
Inverted U Bike Racks, also known as u style racks, u bike racks and staple racks, while simple in design, offer all the key features for bike parking.
- Supporting the bicycle frame in two places
- Allows locking of the wheel and frame
- Durable, and
- Come with different mounting options to match the surface
This style of rack is often mandated or preferred in municipal ordinances for bike parking. They are usually one of the most affordable bike racks available as well.
There are also alternative design styles that go beyond the “U” shape, that while maybe not considered a traditional U bike rack, provide the same functionality.
Post & Ring Bike Racks
Post & Ring is another bike rack that has been a bike parking favorite for years.
These racks provide good security and support for bicycles.
Their design differs from inverted u bike racks in that there’s a single post that is ground or surface mounted versus the two legs.
These bike racks are available in a galvanized, stainless or powder coat finish.
There are custom ring options available.
There are also rings available that can transform the posts of parking meters, street signs and other items into post and ring bike racks.
Wheel-well Secured
Another common style of bike rack used for bike parking is wheel-well secured.
Although designs vary, the common feature of this type of rack is an element that holds the wheel of the bicycle. This provides an additional level of support for the bicycle to keep it from falling over.
The well also acts as a guide to help ensure bicycle are properly parked at the rack.
Wheel-well secured racks regularly come on rails or in multi-rack configurations. To maximize the number of bicycles that can be parked using this style of rack, look for offerings where each rack is staggered vertically.
The other item worth noting is each rack only parks a single bicycle. Where Inverted U and Post and Ring bike racks can park two bicycles per rack.
Selecting good bike racks is key when designing good bike parking. Use the information in this video when assessing bike racks for your project.
