Individuals who bike require different types of parking. For example, people who commute to work or school generally require indoor parking, bicycle lockers, or, at the very least, bicycle racks that are covered with a canopy or another type of shelter. Retail, entertainment, and business districts are usually best served by a combination of conveniently placed outdoor racks that are firmly secured, as well as clustered bike parking areas like bike corrals and bike cages.

An artistic bike rack installed in downtown Erie. This is an example of short-term Class II bike parking.
An artistic bike rack installed in downtown Erie. This is an example of short-term Class II bike parking.

Short-term bike parking (AKA Class II) is generally needed where bicycles will be left for short stops that usually last less than two hours. The main priority for short-term parking is usually convenience. It’s essential to locate bike racks as close to a destination’s entrance as practicable – within 50 feet of the main entrance. In locations with poor weather, a portion of short-term bicycle parking within the business district of a city, on the property of a large employer or in other high-use areas should be protected from the weather.

Long-term bike parking (AKA Class I) is generally needed where bicycles will be left for more than a couple hours at a time, such as places of work, schools, housing, shopping centers and so forth. It requires a combination of security from theft and protection from the weather such as indoor parking, covered cycle shelters, and bike lockers – all which have restricted access.

  • For a more detailed introduction to bike parking with images and various options to choose from: Intro to Bike Parking
  • To assess your existing bike parking based on best practices utilize this Bike Parking Assessment
  • Here’s a great document from City of Pittsburgh Department of Planning: Bicycle Parking Overview – Erie businesses and property owners throughout Erie County would benefit by having a local resource like this to reference as well as clearly defined bike parking ordinances.
  • Here’s an example of the City of Pittsburgh’s Bike Parking Ordinances – we support implementing something similar in places throughout Erie County.

Erie County Artistic Bike Rack Initiative

The Erie Art Museum, Erie County Department of Health, Erie Yesterday, Let’s Move Outside! Erie County Recreational Passport and Bike Erie have teamed up to create a county-wide Artistic Bike Rack Initiative. By the end of 2015, the initiative will have helped to create and install more than 60 bike racks in at least five municipalities throughout Erie County. For inquires on how your municipality, business or otherwise can be a part of the initiative and/or have bike racks made, please email John Vanco: jvanco@erieartmuseum.org and Melinda Meyer: mmeyer196@hotmail.com