Bicycle Parking: Levels of Service John Luton, Executive Director Capital Bike and Walk Society Victoria, BC Institute of Transportation Engineers Quad Conference Victoria, BC April 2008

Thanks Development of detailed bike parking guidelines and the level of service concept have been aided by: Bunt Engineering – supported presentation at ITE in Portland and have been using consultant services to develop site specific solutions – very useful in identifying elements that needed definition Mountain Equipment Co-op – sponsors of our bicycle parking manual Translink – co-sponsors of the bicycle parking manual and supporters of our “Bicycle Parking On-line” project – now in development

Summary Illustrate bike parking Assess state of the art Propose a system Summarize elements Describe Process Invite Feedback

State of the Art

Why a grading system? Provide a simple system of rating racks and assessing plans Potentially provide more specific guidance for LEEDs systems? % of single point? Rate efficiency of installations

Current Info Guidance for advocates and practitioners Numerous other sources Ongoing requests for evaluations of individual racks, site plans etc.

Principles of Good Design Works for a variety of bicycle types Intuitive – use is obvious Supports bike frame at two points in a horizontal plane Accommodates common locks Provides security for frame and wheels Minimizes tangling or damage to bikes Minimizes hazards or obstructions in pedestrian environment Space efficient Aesthetic

Examples Racks rated A Meets all tests

Example 2 Rack rated B Meets tests but falls short on aesthetics, finish Corkscrew rack pretty but can tangles bikes

Example 3 Rack rated C+ Functional rack but falls short on some elements –Used as intended, only bikes at ends are properly supported –Meter rack still allows bike to pivot and fall

Example 4 Rack rated D Minimally functional but missing important features of good racks –Fails to support at two points –Inefficient footprint

Example 5 Rack rated F Fails to satisfactorily provide essential elements of a functional bike rack

Rating site design Identifying critical elements of successful site design Points system proposal: Public short term bike parking –20 points good racks –15 points proximate to destination –15 points informal surveillance –10 points efficient footprint –15 points weather protected –25 points aesthetics, pedestrian friendly etc., finish, maintenance, security

Example 1 Successful installation Good rack Destination accessible Visible Minimal hazards Possible rating of 85 (no weather protection)

Example 2 Bad installation Poor rack choice Poor location Space inefficient Possible rating of 30 (racks may hold some bikes, near destination but not ideal, some surveillance, footprint doesn’t quite work, but well maintained)

Efficiency Ratings Simple percentages Informs points system Example 30 % Efficient Rack –Concrete feet prevent bikes close enough to lock –Half of rack facing wall not accessible –3 of 10 spaces rack is designed for can be used

Process for confirming ratings Meeting with practitioners Presentations to cycling committees and organizations Focus group workshops Surveys and on-line feedback

In Progress Workplaces and Residential Bike Parking –Different needs, different standards Next steps: Bicycle Parking On-Line –Manual –Case studies –New ideas and unique solutions

Questions and Answers?