Surveys of city residents show they overwhelmingly approve of spending more money on improving bicycle infrastructure in their towns
By Erica Puisis
Make way for more bicycles - plus bike lanes and outdoor bike racks, in cities across the United States.
As two-wheeled commuters, errand-runners, and leisure riders continue to increase the number of bikes in cities of all sizes, the demand for bike infrastructure continues to grow.
The collective pedal power of these cyclists is more than just eco-friendly. It can be economically-friendly also since communities and businesses that support a biking lifestyle can attract new residents and customers who value an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
What are the benefits to embracing the bicycle movement, and how can cities meet the unique infrastructure challenges posed by an increase in bicycle traffic? These questions and more have been tackled by metropolitan areas in every corner of the country.
Mayors add outdoor bike racks and bike infrastructure
When contemplating the future of transportation and the most significant infrastructure needs of their cities, many mayors are placing priority on bicycle infrastructure.
In one report, 70% of mayors indicated their agreement with the following statement:
"Cities should make their roads more accessible to bicycles even if it means sacrificing driving lanes and/ or parking."
The same report added that "Bike and Pedestrian Projects" was the most popular choice for a small infrastructure project that the mayors would choose to undertake with an unrestricted grant.
Perhaps even more telling is the fact that "Bike Friendliness" was the top priority for infrastructure funding in 20% of the mayors polled.
What accounts for the shift in catering towards the needs of bike riders over traditional automobile traffic?
Often, it is a reflection of the increasing presence of bicycle advocates in cities near and wide and the escalating expense of adding automobile access.
Studies show that an increase in bike lanes and outdoor bike racks in more parts of town will inspire more people to commute by bicycle than car
From bike racks to boardrooms - biking community is on the rise
The number of people in the United States who are choosing to hop on their bicycle to head to work (or out on the town) is on the rise.
It is not an uncommon sight in many cities to see businessmen and businesswomen using two-wheel transportation to beat congestion, get a little exercise, and be one with the great outdoors - while making the commute to the office.
Of course, supporting the burgeoning bicycle industry means that cities across North America need to make corresponding infrastructure plans.
Things such as outdoor bike racks, bike repair stations, bike storage, bollards to separate pedestrian traffic, and designated biking lanes are all part of creating a bicycle community that is safe and encourages this eco-friendly form of transportation.
Communities near and far seem to indicate their support for government spending in support of bicycle infrastructure. One article highlighted key findings from polls conducted in various large cities. Here are just a few facts in support of public improvements in the way of bike infrastructure and more outdoor bike racks for bicycle parking:
- Washington, DC: More than 60% of respondents expressed support for creating additional bike lanes, compared to approximately 30% who held the opposite view.
- San Francisco, CA: About 75% of respondents felt that physically protecting cyclists with separate bike lanes was very important for safety and traffic control.
- Ontario, Canada: Eighty-five percent of people said that they would support additional government spending to make commuting to school or work easier. This may mean more outdoor bike racks, additional designated bike lanes, or even conveniently placed bicycle repair stations to fix a flat.
Meeting the demand for bike infrastructure with outdoor bike racks, bike lanes, and more
What can your municipality or local business do to meet the increased need for bike infrastructure and attract bicycling enthusiasts? The key is to make your community or establishment bike-friendly with the features and accommodations that serve the cycling lifestyle.
Bicycle Lanes: Designated travel paths for bikers heading to work, across town, or to the store are an important safety and traffic control consideration.
Many bicyclists feel safer in a bike lane, and it can reduce the risk of accidents or congestion during peak travel times. Either bollards, bike lane markers, or both can be used to keep bicycles and cars safe as they share the road.
Outdoor Bike Racks: It stands to reason that if you have a growing group of cyclists, you will need a growing group of bike parking racks. These functional pieces can be found in parks, outside office buildings, and in front of local coffee shops or restaurants. Encourage and make it easier for business to add commercial bike racks. The city of Portland, for example, will install commercial bike racks for free near a business if they just ask for one.
Having sufficient commercial bike racks for the biking community is important since a safe place to park a bicycle is a key part of having a great ride - and getting back home again!
In addition, many cities are now requiring that builders add indoor bike rooms to apartment and office buildings to give residents access to secure, long-term bicycle parking. This helps to encourage more people to bicycle to work.
Bike Repair Stations: We've all had the mishap of a flat tire on our vehicle at some point in life. This frustrating experience can plague cyclists as well.
But having a bike repair station in areas frequently traveled by cyclists can be a lifesaver. Commuters on their way to work and families on their way for ice cream will appreciate having a convenient spot to put air in a tire or adjust brakes and derailleurs that may have become misaligned.
Cities should provide the opportunity for cyclists to use a proper bike parking rack instead of street signs, railings and trees for places to lock their bikes. Having access to a decent place to park a bike without worrying about fees or confiscated bikes fosters more bike commuting
More bike racks - more business? The economic upside to bike infrastructure
Is there a benefit to investing in infrastructure that aims to serve the cycling community, such as installing more outdoor bike racks, adding bike lanes, and providing bike repair stations? The answer is absolutely!
In addition to gaining the goodwill of current cycling enthusiasts, it encourages a healthy lifestyle and habits.
Biking is a great way for individuals and families to explore the city, get some fresh air, and see new sights.
When a city invests in bike infrastructure that makes cycling safer and more attractive to residents, it enhances the likelihood that residents will take advantage of this enjoyable way to experience the community around them.
The result may be an uptick in resident satisfaction and community involvement.
Bike infrastructure can even draw in new business. Frequent bikers are often on the lookout for places that cater to their choice in transportation and it creates a more positive impression.
For instance, one woman said she noticed a bike parking rack pop up outside of a coffee shop in her old neighborhood, along with an increase in bicycle lanes.
These improvements in bicycle infrastructure motivated her to continue to adopt her bicycle as a new mode of transportation - and we'll guess that she made that coffee spot a stop along her next bike adventure.
Another benefit to bicycle infrastructure is the ability to shape community identity and draw attention to local establishments and community features.
In one city seeking to shake up their image, standard bike parking racks were replaced with fun and inviting custom bike racks that accomplished the same purpose: coffee cups outside a popular coffee chain, and iconic video game characters in a public park.
These enhancements serve a practical purpose as a bike parking rack, but they also are eye-catching and draw attention to the establishments they are stationed outside of.
Investing in bike parking racks and infrastructure for your community
Are you looking to make your community or business more inviting to local cyclists?
Giving attention to bicycle infrastructure and other amenities for bikes can go a long way in promoting the activity and drawing in business and support from bike riders.
Mayors and other city officials are noticing this trend. The more people that let them know you want your town to be more bicycle friendly, the more they will make it happen.
Encourage bicycling with the right infrastructure, and get ready to see pedal power move your business and community forward!
About: The Park and Facilities Catalog: You can find a variety of bike racks for sale, bike room storage solutions, bike repair stations, and bike lane markers from The Park and Facilities Catalog. Whether you are looking for standard and sturdy grid bike racks, U-shaped bike racks, or wave bike racks - we have a wide variety of sizes, materials, and finishes available.
Or, for something more unique, consider a custom bike rack. Whether you use one of our designs or have your own in mind, we can help you create outdoor bike racks that will be useful and attractive outside your business or in your city.