Bike Rack Review – Bicycle Parking Racks, Stands and Storage Guidelines
March 8, 2010
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Bicycle Parking
What to look for – What to avoid
With today’s bicycles costing a small fortune, cyclists now look for bike racks that will not damage their bikes and allow locking of the wheel and frame with a ‘U’ lock.
Unfortunately, many parking facilities provided for cyclists are poorly designed and remain unused. Cyclists are forced to lock their bikes to trees and posts, or lean them against building fronts and windows. This not only creates an eyesore, but causes damage to property and becomes a hazard to pedestrians.
The key to providing a safe and effective bicycle parking program is to specify high quality, attractive bike racks. In Australia, this means bicycle racks must at least meet the parking device guidelines established by Austroads Part 14 and AS2890.3.
Here are some guidelines to help you select a bike rack that cyclists will use.
What to look for…
* Bicycle racks should attract cyclists, and by design should encourage use.
* Security – racks must allow the bike frame and wheel(s) to be locked securely.
* Protection – racks must support the bicycle frame and not hold the wheel.
* Most racks are misused to some degree. Look for racks which provide the same opportunity for security whether the bike is on the end or middle of the rack.
* Racks should be built from heavy duty, weather & tamper resistant materials.
* Attractive designs encourage property owners to install secure parking facilities.
What to avoid…
These are the main reasons why cyclists will not use some racks:
* Damage – If a parking device can damage a bike it won’t be used. Some racks, so-called wheel benders, can damage the wheels or frame of a bike. If a rack will bend a wheel it won’t be used.
* Security – As many bicycles have ‘quick release’ front wheels, security of the wheel and frame is essential. Do not buy a rack which does not allow for both the wheel and frame to be locked with a ‘U’ lock.
* Capacity – If a specification says a rack will hold ten bikes and knowing what you know now, check it. Where some rack designs are misused the stated capacity may be reduced by as much as 90%.
* Look Around – See how some rack owners have wasted their money. Cyclists won’t used devices that don’t secure or support their bike by its frame.
Examples of Good Bicycle Parking Facilities
* Bike parking racks that provide secure spaces for multiple bikes can offer a great solution to maximize capacity in a given area. Make sure the bike rack design supports the bike frame (not wheel) and encourages locking of the wheel and frame to the rack. Select a high quality, attractive design that is easy to install, will compliment your setting, and encourage cyclists to use it.
* Bicycle parking rails are suitable for narrow footpaths and difficult spaces. The standard parking rail supports the bike frame and allows secure locking. Bike rails can be fixed in-situ, or fixed onto an existing concrete surface.
* Wall mounted bike racks are a great second choice when space does not allow for surface mounted options. By allowing bikes to park either vertically or horizontally off the ground, you may be able to park bikes where you didn’t think possible. Make sure the rack design supports the bike by its frame (not wheel) and allows easy locking.
Other Parking Devices
* Bicycle Lockers – These enclosed units can offer a deluxe storage system. Each unit should have a door for single bike access. These units are expensive and usually require ongoing maintenance and inspection due to vandalism and security concerns.
* Bicycle Rooms & Compounds – Secure grounds are a deterrent to theft but unsecured bikes in a bike room or compound are an invitation for theft. A room alone isn’t enough – place high quality bicycle racks in the room for the security of each bike.
Finishes and Materials
Most good bike racks today are available in a variety of finishes.
Paint – Racks that are painted chip and rust. Stay clear.
Colour coatings – High density colour powder coatings can produce an attractive colourful product that is scratch and corrosion resistant. Colour powder coatings applied directly to a steel frame will rust, while colour powder coatings on a galvanised frame will chip very easily. If you want a colour finish, ask for powder coatings on a zinc electroplated frame. Not recommended for areas within 2km from salt water.
Galvanised steel – Virtually maintenance free and weather resistant. Products that have been ‘hot-dipped’ galvanised post fabrication offer the most durable galvanised finish. Avoid pre-galvanised tube unless using strictly in undercover/underground areas.
Stainless steel – Attractive and expensive. Well suited for plazas and for buildings with stainless accessories. Ask for high quality Grade 316 or 304 Stainless Steel. The addition of an electropolish finish increases the shine and adds additional protection.
Conclusions
* Don’t waste your money.
* Be aware of capacity claims and avoid racks which are misused.
* Do not buy products which hold (pinch) wheels.
* Buy products which permit the bike frame and wheel(s) of the bike to be locked.
* Locate racks where the cyclists will go – not where you might like them to go.
* Avoid racks that have a low profile or could cause a hazard to pedestrians.
* Buy only quality products.
Cora Bike Rack is Australia’s leading manufacturer of bicycle parking racks. Designed for ease of use and installation, Cora Bike Racks are suitable for all applications and comply with AS2890.3 and Green Star requirements. If you have any questions on bicycle parking or require expert advice, contact Jon Rutledge at Cora Bike Rack, or visit our website where you can see examples of good bike rack designs, download product specifications, generate quotes and place orders! Simply go to http://www.cora.com.au
