Revamping Bike Parking at School: Secure, Sustainable Strategies to Boost Cycling

In a time when environmental consciousness and healthy living are increasingly emphasized, campuses and schools across the globe are embracing programs like Safe Routes to School to promote biking and walking.

Biking to school not only encourages physical activity and independence but also reduces traffic congestion and contributes to cleaner air (Source: Safe Routes Partnership). However, for biking initiatives to succeed and to reap these rewards, schools and municipalities must invest in proper infrastructure, including safe and secure bike parking solutions at the desired destinations. 

The Need for Enhanced Bike Parking

With bicycles becoming more expensive, especially with the popularity of e-bikes, there is a heightened need for secure bicycle parking. Additionally, with mountain bikes, cargo bikes, city bikes, and e-bikes, the diversity in bicycle sizes and tire widths has grown. No longer can the traditional “grid” and similar bike parking accommodate the wide range of tire widths and bike lengths currently in use. To provide secure and user-friendly bike parking for this wider range of bicycle types and geometries, a new generation of modern bike parking solutions is required.

A Variety of Options

Supporting the diverse needs of students, staff, and their various types of bicycles is essential. Schools can accommodate different bicycle types and promote year-round cycling by providing a range of parking options on campus—with outdoor options ranging from inverted-U racks to secure bike lockers. The bicycle lockers provide the highest security, while the inverted-U racks provide the greatest versatility, working for all bicycle lengths, handlebar, and tire widths.

Indoor, or sheltered locations keep bicycles out of the weather, making cycling a viable daily commuting option and enhancing the appeal of riding to school. These protected areas also add opportunities to utilize vertical, two-tier, and two-tier lift assist racks with their higher density parking for most bicycles. Cargo and larger bicycles, such as wide- tire electric or longer full-suspension bicycles, will work best with versatile bike parking such as inverted-U racks. Having a variety of parking options ensures that everyone can find a secure spot for their bikes, for year-round riding, promoting a community cycling culture.

User-Friendly Design

All Sportworks solutions adhere to the standards set by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP). Our racks are designed to provide two points of contact with the frame, providing stability and reducing bikes from falling, while enabling secure locking of both the frame and front wheel with a U-lock.

A question to ponder when considering user-friendly design: What types of bikes are your students and educators riding? Traditional grid-style racks may not suffice for mountain bikes with wider tires. For campuses near beaches or snowy areas, where students might use "fat bikes" with tires 4 inches or wider or similarly sized electric bikes, it’s crucial to choose racks that accommodate these larger dimensions. Ensuring that your bike parking infrastructure can support a variety of bike sizes and types is key to meeting the needs of all riders.

Specifically for elementary schools, look to enhance your offerings by including options like the Plaza Jr™, which is designed specifically for children’s smaller bikes. Accommodating adult and cargo bikes for parent drop-off by outfitting spaces with the Plaza, Tofino, and Westport models is another way to encourage cycling.

Protecting Bikes from Vandalism

Vandalism and theft are major concerns for cyclists, and the right bike rack design can significantly mitigate these risks. Rectangular tube construction, for instance, deters theft effectively, as it resists the common method of cutting tubular racks with pipe cutters.

According to APBP standards, all bike parking racks should be compatible with U-locks to allow for secure locking of both the frame and the wheel. Traditional grid and wave-style racks are not designed to support this kind of secure locking and, with their round tubes, are more susceptible to vandalism.

The Tofino, Westport, Oahu, and ST Inverted U racks feature rectangular tubes for added security and enable locking the frame and a wheel.

Bike lockers provide another excellent secure parking option. They keep bicycles out of sight and protected from the elements, which not only ensures security but also encourages cycling adoption by offering cyclists peace of mind that their bikes will remain safe and intact.

Durability – Protecting the Bicycle and the Rack

Site furnishings should always be durable, long-lasting products that stand the test of time. Sportworks' solutions are crafted from bead-blasted stainless steel and other heavy-duty materials, with optional durable powder-coat, designed to endure the elements and the rigors of daily use. In addition, our exclusive No Scratch® racks feature a robust thermoplastic bumper that prevents metal-to-metal contact guards against scratches and dents, preserving both the bicycles and the rack itself. This protects bicycles from cosmetic damage, and with the rising cost of bicycles, protecting cyclists’ investment has become increasingly important. The No Scratch technology also ensures that the racks continue to function optimally and maintain their aesthetic appeal, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering both financial and environmental costs.

Safe Parking (and Charging) for E-bikes

Recently, the safety of E-bike charging has come under scrutiny due to several incidents of fires caused by non-UL-certified aftermarket batteries. Given the increased risks during active charging periods, providing a secure environment for charging these bikes is crucial. The Tofino E-Rack, with integrated charging points for UL-certified mobility devices, is specifically designed to address these safety concerns. By installing Tofino E-Racks in a designated, covered outdoor area—ideally distanced from other structures— the risks of charging can be significantly mitigated. This setup makes E-biking a safer and more appealing option.

Sustainability

Cycling and active transportation offer many eco-friendly benefits. When considering bicycle parking, it's vital to consider the environmental impact of the products to be installed, ensuring they are made without harmful materials. Sportworks stands out in this regard, offering the only bike parking solutions listed with the Declare label from the International Living Future Institute. This certification reflects our commitment to transparency and sustainability, helping to foster a greener, healthier environment for all.

Paving the Way for a Bike-Friendly Future

By meeting APBP standards and accommodating a variety of bicycle types and tire widths, schools can establish secure and durable bike parking facilities that encourage cycling.

Integrating features like No-Scratch technology ensures that these facilities not only promote safe routes to school but also serve as a long-term investment, remaining functional and effective for years.

As schools increasingly prioritize active transportation, investing in high-quality bike parking solutions becomes crucial. At Sportworks, we are dedicated to enhancing safety, security, and sustainability by equipping schools with the necessary tools to encourage cycling among students and staff.

Together, we can help build healthier, more active school communities, paving the way for a greener and brighter future for students – and the planet.