Decoding Rack Placement

Do you want a bike rack by your favorite store, park, or bus stop? Bike rack placement is more complicated than you might think, but it’s easy to decode when you look around and ask these three simple questions:

1. What features do people and vehicles need to ACCESS?
2. What other OBJECTS could bikes get in the way of?
3. Is the SURFACE suitable for a rack?

See diagram and list for specific clearance distances.

A ACCESS Most Restrictive: Clearance Varies

15'

Crosswalks & special curb areas: bus stops, taxi stands, hotel loading zones Franchised structures: sidewalk cafes, bus & bike shelters, toilets, newstands

8'

Fire hydrants

5'

Building entrances & driveways

3'

Hatches & subway entrances (railings, stairs, elevators, etc.)

B OBJECTS Moderately Restrictive: 5 foot clearance

Benches, planters, telephones, mailboxes
Signs, parking meters, lamp posts, standpipes, etc.)

C SURFACE Least Restrictive: 3 foot clearance

Utility covers, tree pit edges, grates with hinges

• Requirement: Public sidewalk at least 11 feet wide!
• Requirement: Un-cracked, concrete surface; no special paving materials!
• Most grates are now acceptable for rack placement