Bicycle parking rack

This article is about bicycle racks, or bike stands, for the parking of bicycles. For frames to attach bicycle panniers to a bicycle, see Luggage carrier. For racks to carry bikes on the outside of motor vehicles, see Bicycle carrier. For stands to facilitate bicycle servicing, see Bicycle stand.

White cycles for free use in Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Netherlands

A bicycle parking rack, usually shortened to bike rack and also called a bicycle stand, is a device to which bicycles can be securely attached for parking purposes.[1][2][3][4] It may be freestanding, or securely attached to the ground or a stationary object, such as a building. Indoor racks are commonly used for private bicycle parking, while outdoor racks are often used in commercial areas. General styles of racks include the Inverted U, Serpentine, Bollard, Grid, and Decorative.[5] The most effective and secure bike racks are those that can secure both wheels and the frame of the bicycle, using a bicycle lock.

Bike racks can be constructed from a number of materials, including stainless steel, steel, recycled plastic, and thermoplastic. Durability, weather resistance, appearance and functionality are important factors when choosing this material.[5]

Bicycle stand in a street, London
Bicycle locked to a stand in a street, London

The visibility of the bike rack, adequate spacing from automobile parking and pedestrian traffic, weather coverage, and proximity to destinations are all important factors determining usefulness of a bicycle rack, helping to increase its usage and assure cyclists that their bikes are securely parked.[6]

  1. ^ "Bike Federation of Wisconsin, Bicycle Parking Services". Archived from the original on 10 January 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2007.
  2. ^ "Stand and Deliver, Cycle parking in London" (PDF). Greater London Authority. June 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2009.
  3. ^ "Transportation Alternative, On-Street Bicycle Parking: Bike Racks". Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 27 December 2007.
  4. ^ "Bike Security Racks Co., Inc". Archived from the original on 24 December 2007. Retrieved 27 December 2007.
  5. ^ a b "How to Buy a Bike Rack | Buying Guide". Belson Outdoors. Archived from the original on 24 July 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  6. ^ Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. "Bicycle Parking." Bicyclinginfo.org. U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Web. 4 September 2009. <http://www.bicyclinginfo.org Archived 30 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine>.