SELECTING A BIKE PARKING RACK
Not all bicycle racks are created equal. When selecting a bicycle rack, determine the appropriate user and where the bicycle racks will be installed. Ease of use, support of the bicycle, security, capacity, function, quality of materials, and aesthetics are all considerations when selecting bicycle racks.
The ground bike rack you select will be the most important factor in the security and ease of use of your bike parking area.
There are many racks to choose from and they differ in their security, dimensions, spacing options, capacity for parking bikes and more.We cover the topic of selecting commercial bike racks comprehensively in another guide and is worth reviewing to ensure you are not installing bad bike racks that will go unused and draw the dissatisfaction of users.
As it relates to bike parking, there are essential elements of the bike racks you select must posses.
LOCKING THE FRAME AND WHEEL TO THE BIKE RACK

The primary feature of a bike parking rack is that it should allow both the frame and at least one wheel to be secured to the rack using a u-style lock.
U-racks and Post and Ring bike racks are commonly used in these applications.
Grid racks and others that only hold the wheel leave bikes susceptible to theft as the frame can easily be removed from the wheel.
SUPPORTS THE BICYCLE IN TWO PLACES

Racks that only hold the wheel are also known to damage bicycles as the full weight of a bicycle is entirely supported by the wheel. This typically results in bent wheels.
A bike rack should generate two points of contact on the frame of the bicycle. This will provide proper support for the bicycle.
Racks that support the frame, but with only one point of contact, make it more likely the wheel of the bike will turn and cause the bike to fall. This causes damage to the bike and creates clutter on the ground.
RESISTS CUTTING, BENDING OR DEFORMATION
The bike rack should also resist cutting, bending or deformation. Many thieves will attack the rack to gain access and steal a bike.
Make sure the selected racks are thick enough to resist cutting with common hand tools that can be carried/concealed in backpacks or coats.
SECURELY MOUNTS TO THE GROUND
The rack also needs elements that allow it to be securely installed or mounted to the ground. When a rack can be dislodged from the ground it becomes useless.
As covered earlier, the most secure method would be an in-ground installation. Racks with legs that can be encased in concrete are preferred.
Bike racks with flanges for surface mounting should be chosen to use when installing on existing concrete surfaces.
When creating parking on asphalt, pavers or natural surfaces, the preferred choice is in-ground mounted racks using poured concrete footers. The alternative solution is to select bike racks on rails.
TYPES OF BIKE PARKING RACKS
U BIKE RACKS
Known as U Bike Racks, Inverted U Racks, and Staple Racks, this style of bike rack may be the most simple but offers the key features desired for bike parking.
It supports the bicycle frame in two places, helping to keep it upright.

A u bike rack also allows for locking of the frame and a wheel to the rack. The rack is durable and one of the most secure. This type of rack also comes in many design styles that go beyond just a “U” shape.
POST & RING

Post & Ring bike racks have a been a bike parking favorite for years. They provide good security and support for bicycles. The height of the ring needs to be kept in mind. It may be difficult to lock a frame and wheel to the ring it if it too high.
WHEEL POCKET BIKE RACKS

Bike racks with a wheel pocket add an additional level of support that
keeps the bicycle from falling over.
The well also ensures bicycles are parked in the proper position on the rack. Racks with staggered vertical heights allow for more bikes to be parked within an area.
PUTTING YOUR PLAN INTO ACTION
Biking is increasingly becoming the number one choice for alternative transportation and it is important to provide secure bicycle parking. By providing bicycle parking, you will be encouraging a healthy community and environment. But it is also becoming a necessity as more and more communities have established or are writing requirements for bike parking.
Make sure you nail the details of your project by tapping into the experience and resources of Bike Parkings.
Contact us today and let us know how we can help guide your project over the finish line. We’ll partner with you to work towards a successful solution.