HIKE AND BIKE SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
To encourage and facilitate bicycling in Arlington , bicycle parking and storage should be provided at specific points along bicycle routes . Bicycle parking , such as bike racks , should be available for short-term or daily-use . For longterm use ( more than 24 hours ) bicycle storage is recommended . Bicycle parking and storage should be easily accessible .
A . Bicycle Racks and Standards
Bicycle racks provide a secure place for short and long-term parking of bicycles . They are best located at the entrance of a park , trail head , or other public places , but should be clear of the throughway zone in a sidewalk ( Figures 7.8.1 to 7.8.5 ).
Design Criteria :
• Provide long-term parking for bicycle to be protected from the weather and secured from potential theft .
• Provide bike racks that secure at least the frame and one of the tires and allow adequate spacing between racks so bikes are easy to maneuver .
• Locate bike racks so they do not obstruct pedestrian or wheelchair movement .
• Locate bike racks in well-lighted and highly visible areas in order to minimize theft and vandalism .
• Avoid installing bicycle racks inside designated loading / unloading , passenger , and pedestrian zones .
• For schools , retail , public buildings , and commercial uses ; half of the bicycle parking spaces shall be provided as long-term parking .
• Bicycle racks should be at the same grade as the sidewalk or at a location that can be reached by an accessible route .
• Bicycle racks should be within 50 feet of the main entrance to a building as measured along the most direct pedestrian access route , for a building with more than one main entrance , bicycle racks should be placed at each main entrance .
Figure 7.8.1 . Example of a functional decorative bike rack .
• If bicycle parking is more than 50 feet from a main entrance , it should be in a central location preferably along a pedestrian route .
• When a bike is parked at a rack there should be no less than 2 feet from the curb and 36 inches from any permanent object to allow for adequate maneuvering space for the bicyclist and for motorists accessing parked vehicles .
• Maintain a 5 feet minimum access aisle or sidewalk adjacent to bike racks .
• There should be at least 2 feet of clearance beside each parked bicycle when installing multiple racks .
• Prevent the wheel of the bicycle from tipping over .
• Support bicycles without a diamondshaped frame with a horizontal top tube .
• Allow front in parking : a U-lock should be able to lock the front wheel and the down tube of an upright bicycle .
• Allow back-in parking : a U-lock should be able to lock the rear wheel and seat tube of the bicycle .
• Refer to Figure 7.8.5 for guidelines for bicycle parking locations and quantities of facilities .
Chapter 7 : Design Guidelines | 7-71