Bicycle Parking
Section 21A.44.040 of the Salt Lake City Code requires bicycle parking be installed as part of all new construction projects (excluding single family residential) and remodels of over 50% expansion or intensification. Secure bicycle parking improves bicycling convenience and helps reduce theft.
How Many Bicycle Parking Spaces Are Required?
The amount of bicycle parking required for new construction or remodels is determined by multiplying the total number of automobile parking spaces required by .05 (5%). If the calculation returns a number less than .5 (or one half a parking space), the installation of bicycle parking is optional. In all other cases the calculated amount is rounded to the nearest whole number.
Where Should Bicycle Parking Be Located?
Bicycle parking is only useful to cyclists if it is located properly. According to the ordinance bicycle parking shall be located:
- on the same lot as the principal use;
- to prevent damage to bicycles by cars;
- in a convenient, highly visible, active, well-lighted area;
- so as not to interfere with pedestrian movements;
- as near the principal entrance of the building as practical; and
- to provide safe access from the parking spaces to the right-of-way or bicycle lane.
Both employees and customers shall be considered when determining locations for bicycle parking. For example, a bike rack located within a parking structure may work for employees but would not work well for customers who would normally access the business from an exterior entrance. A highly visible location is determined from the vantage point of someone inside the building or near the principal pedestrian entrance. Locating bicycle parking under a building overhang, or in another way providing a degree of protection from the weather, will greatly improve its convenience. For additional information please read the SLC Bicycle Parking Standard
What Type of Bicycle Parking Facilities Are Required?
The ordinance requires bicycle parking facilities be:
- consistent with the surrounding in color and design and incorporated, whenever possible, into buildings or street furniture design;
- designed to allow each bicycle to be supported by its frame;
- designed to allow the frame and wheels of each bicycle to be secured against theft;
- designed to avoid damage to the bicycles;
- anchored the resist rust or corrosion, or removal by vandalism; and
- designed to accommodate a range of bicycle shapes and sizes and facilitate easy locking without interfering with adjacent bicycles.
As described above, an appropriate parking facility would not include bicycle racks intended for placing front or back wheels in between two bars. The bike rack should allow the bicycle to be supported upright by its frame in two places and should allow the frame and one or both wheels to be secured. For long term employee parking, bike lockers work well due to the high level of security provided. For additional information please read the SLC Bicycle Parking Standard. We also recommend reading Bicycle Parking Guidelines produced by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.
