What is a Cycle Rack & Types of Cycle Racks

Bicycle Racks for public environments, attractive parking rail designs, and all types of bicycle parking solutions

A cleaner alternative to vehicular commuting is growing rapidly as society swings toward sustainable living. On many levels, cycling beats driving—it’s a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option that helps people achieve their health and fitness goals.

While cycling is a great mode of transportation, one key concern remains: where can cyclist park their bike after they arrive at their destination?

Bike parking is critical to the success of any bicycle program, especially in densely populated areas. Cyclists might rapidly become discouraged in their choice of transportation if they don’t have the support and convenience of local bike parking. A cyclist must be able to park or store their bike in an efficient, effective, and secure manner.

This affects cyclists who ride to work or for recreation, as well as those who live in apartment complexes, college dorms, or other residences where storing a bike at home is a worry.

BENEFITS OF BIKE PARKING

FORMS OF BIKE PARKING

Bike parking can be classified into three types:

• Bike bollards or bike racks (short-term)
• Lockers for bicycles (long-term)
• Lockups for bicycles (long-term)

The period of bike parking should be addressed before getting into the details of each option. This influences the sort of bike parking required and aids the biker in deciding whether a bike rack or a bike locker is more appropriate.

Bike Racks / Bollards (short-term)

Bike parking for the short term is open, unsheltered, and unenclosed. It usually comes in the shape of a bike rack and provides parking for less than two hours. The primary benefit of short-term bicycle parking is its convenience, as it is frequently placed in the busiest, most congested areas. There is also some theft protection; nevertheless, because bike racks are available to the public in an open space, there is never a guarantee.

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to construct a short-term parking option is to use a bike rack. Outdoor bike racks are frequently seen in public or commercial places, whereas inside bike racks are frequently utilized for private bike parking.

The following are the specifications for a good bike rack:

• A U-lock is used to attach the bicycle frame and at least one wheel.
• In two points, the bike’s frame helps to keep it upright.
• There is no slipping of the bike wheel.
• Front-in and back-in bike parking are possible with the bike rack.
• The bike rack is sheltered from motor vehicles and does not obstruct pedestrian traffic.
• From the street, the bike rack is easy to find.
• There is room for a variety of bike types and sizes.

FORMS OF BIKE RACKS

Bike racks are available in a variety of styles to fit the needs of cyclists. There are a few different types of commercial bike racks:

U-rack

A bicycle is secured to a U-rack. A U-rack is shaped like an inverted U and has two points of contact with the ground. It is a dependable bike rack that is often used in cities since it can be installed along sidewalks with little space. It lets you secure both the front and back wheels of your bike.

Wave

A wave bicycle rack has an undulating, wave-like design. It has an interesting design as well as usefulness, and it can hold up to seven bicycles, which is more than a U-rack can.

Grid

Vertical bars join higher and lower metal bars to form a grid bicycle rack. Bicycles can be parked on both sides of the rack as a result. However, it does not provide for the security of both the bicycle’s wheel and frame, which can lead to increased theft.

Spiral

A spiral bike rack is arranged in a spiral pattern. Although it has aesthetic appeal, it has functional drawbacks in terms of accessibility—parking the bike requires lifting the wheel.

Bollard

Bollard bike racks are simply bollards (short posts) with one or two locking arms for securing bicycles. This type has the advantage of being removable for use as a temporary bike rack.

Decorative

Decorative bike racks place a premium on aesthetics and design. They are meant to blend in with the surrounding theme or surroundings in terms of appearance and style.

Long-term

Long-term bike storage is sheltered with additional protection and enclosure, and bikes can be stored for up to two hours. Long-term bike parking is provided by bike vaults and lockups, which include bike shelters, bike rooms, and bike parking stations. Long-term parking has the advantage of providing a high level of security against bike theft because it provides an enclosed environment. Biker accessories can be left attached, and unauthorized access is largely eliminated.

Locks for bike racks

U-locks and cable locks are the most frequent types of locks used to secure bikes to bike racks. The main differences are in the level of security and flexibility that they offer.

U-locks

Bike lock producers usually make locks that are long enough to hold both the tyres and the frame to a bike rack with as little slack as possible. Criminals may utilize excess slack to increase leverage and break the bike lock, therefore it should be kept to a minimum. One of the most secure and extensively used types of locks is the U-lock.

Locks with Cables

Cable and chain-style bike locks are less secure than U-locks. These bicycle locks are typically made of hardened steel and may incorporate cutting-resistant materials such as Kevlar. These locks offer a bit more flexibility than U-locks, but they may be more vulnerable to theft.

Finally, learn how to correctly lock your bike

• When it comes to bicycle locking, the golden rule is to always lock your bike to something else,
  ideally metal. Follow these actions if you really, really want to keep your bike from being
  stolen:
• Always carry a quality u-lock (or a heavy-duty chain lock) and a locking wire with a loop on both ends on hand when riding.
• Thread the wire through the front wheel to begin.
• After that, you thread one end loop through the other and secure it with a u-lock. Finally, slip the u-lock through your seat tube or seat stay, as well as the rear wheel, to secure it to the bike rack. Because a thief would have to bring two different and heavy tools to cut through both the lock and the wire, locking the bike with both techniques makes it far more difficult for them to steal it.

Every city needs bike parking because it benefits bikers, pedestrians, and motorists by removing barriers and litter. Bike parking is available in a number of levels of sophistication, with options for each location and a variety of price points. The goal is to consider site capacity, as well as nearby infrastructure and traffic. The credibility of bike parking is based on its simplicity and security, as well as its ability to complement rather than disrupt traffic flow.