The Park and Facilities Catalog announces the introduction of its latest bicycle parking rack invention - the space-saving MK1 Bike Dock.

The MK1 Bike Dock has a unique, patent-pending design that helps bicycle planners park a large number of bicycles in locations where space is limited. Those locations typically include universities, colleges, schools, urban areas and office complexes.

"We know the challenges that architects and planners face when they need to provide bicycle parking for hundreds if not thousands of bicycles," said inventor Chris Luyet, Vice President and General Manager of the Park and Facilities Catalog. "So we designed the MK1 with the smallest footprint possible to accommodate a large number of bicycles and to create an atmosphere that encourages more people to RIDE than drive."

The MK1 Bike Dock keeps bikes upright

What makes the Mk1 so unique? For one, size. Unlike larger traditional commercial bike racks such as Wave racks or Grid racks, the Mk1 is only 10.5" wide and 18" long. The metal rack itself takes up very little space.

Secondly, the MK1 is designed to properly index bicycles for maximum density. That means the bicycles are held upright by inserting the front or rear wheel into a metal rectangular "trough" to keep the bike steady. Higher up the metal post there is a sturdy "locking arm" where a U-lock can be inserted to lock around a bike frame and wheel, also to hold the bike upright.

This efficient indexing keeps bicycles straight and prevents "bicycle clutter." Then is a scenario where a large number of bikes have fallen or are laying haphazardly on top of each other. That's certainly not an inviting scenario for commuting by bicycle.

"We basically made the Mk1 as efficient as possible," said Luyet. "With this product, the bikes are held upright and they can still be locked securely. That the best combination when it comes to bicycle parking."

The locking arm provides three points of locking contact. This is recommended by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals to ensure that a bicycle is locked securely with a U-lock or heavy chain and padlock.

Bicycle thieves today have become much more adept at cutting cheap wire locks or removing wheels if they can't take the frame itself.

Another appealing feature of the Mk1 is the proprietary coating. The bike dock is covered with a unique thermoplastic-like finish called SealGuard that will not scratch or scuff the bicycles. This durable finish is also impervious to UV rays, mold, and mildew. It was created to withstand the elements. The coating also keeps the metal from rusting or corroding.

The Park and Facilities Catalog backs SealGuard with a 7-year warranty, much longer than the standard 1-year warranty for most outdoor bike racks.

Luyet has several years experience in bicycle planning and purposefully designed the MK1 as a single-indexed unit. This way the bike docks have modular capabilities, meaning they can be angled, staggered and arranged to adapt to different landscapes. The Park and Facilities Catalog also offers sample layouts to help architects optimize space outdoors or for indoor bike rooms.

"After years of working with architects and planners, we know this flexible design solves many of their problems when it comes to bicycle parking," said Luyet. "Give us a call. For some projects, we are even willing to send samples of the MK1 so planners can see firsthand how this product will maximize their space and provide orderly bike parking."

For more information on the MK1 call 1-800-695-3503 or contact [email protected].

The innovative MK1 Bike Dock securely holds a bicycle upright to prevent "bike clutter" and maximize space for bicycle parking