Safe Streets to Secure Bike Parking

Cycling has seen a remarkable rise in popularity and funding in recent years, as more people seek eco-friendly, active transportation. The world is witnessing a boom in cycling infrastructure, with cities investing in safe streets, dedicated bike paths, and innovative designs to ensure safety for cyclists.

In late 2022, Congress passed the fiscal year 2023 appropriations omnibus which included $45 million for the newly established Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, supporting and promoting non-motorized modes of transportation such as walking and cycling. According to People for Bikes, there’s record funding for bicycle use in 2023, with $461,320,000 in state level funding and infrastructure, and $257,497,006 in funding for infrastructure and safety programs at the local level.

 However, amidst creating a more cycle-friendly environment, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked: bike parking.

With the addition of all these bike lanes, paths, and safety additions, where will all these additional bikes get stored in a safe and organized way?

The Rise of Cycling Infrastructure

In the quest for reducing congestion and all the troubles that come with single-car occupancy, cities worldwide are stepping up their game by investing in cycling infrastructure.

Safe Streets: Urban planners are prioritizing the safety of cyclists by redesigning streets to include dedicated bike lanes, well-marked crossings, traffic calming measures, and infrastructure to separate bike lanes. These initiatives help protect cyclists and encourage more people to take up cycling as a regular mode of transportation.

Cycle Tracks: These are dedicated bike paths, equipped with segregated lanes that are separated from motor vehicle traffic. These tracks are often feature bicycle-specific enhancements like specialty signage, bollards, and lighting making cycling a more inviting and safe option.

Multi-modal Integration: Bicycles are a great option to get transit riders to their bus stop or train station, and most all transit agencies have accommodations for bike transport. This supplies a great, healthy option for that first and last mile. The ability to load your bike on-board also supplies a great back-up for cyclists that intend to commute their entire journey – but need to shorten their bike ride if there is bad weather, they require a bike repair, experience illness, etc.

The overlooked element of bike parking, and how Sportworks is solving it.

The lack of adequate and safe bike parking can deter individuals from choosing cycling as a transportation mode. Bike theft, vandalism, and frustration to find suitable parking spots are a common problem. This highlights the need to think about bike parking when designing public and private spaces to make them more accommodating for cyclists. 

At Sportworks, we recognize the critical role of secure and convenient bike parking in a successful cycling infrastructure. Our products are designed with cyclists in mind, aiming to address common challenges associated with bike parking.

Sportworks bike racks are designed to be tamper resistant, able to withstand theft, and vandalism. With our revolutionary No Scratch® design, a scratch-free bumper ensures the durability and aesthetics of the racks are upkept while also deterring theft. By incorporating a resilient thermoplastic bumper that boasts exceptional durability and UV stability, and remains resistant to fading and cracking, Sportworks' No Scratch® racks stand as the sole bike parking racks available that effectively safeguard bikes from scratches and dents.

This innovative approach not only prioritizes the safety and security of cyclists' valuable assets but also enhances the overall cycling experience, providing peace of mind when parking. Learn more about our No Scratch racks in our last blog post!

Our bike parking solutions also offer a hassle-free experience for cyclists, ensuring that anyone, from a novice to an experienced rider, can efficiently utilize both indoor and outdoor racks. For example, our Tofino™ No Scratch® Bike Rack is not only intuitively designed but also among a variety of ADA-compliant racks, ensuring accessibility for pedestrians. With its sleek and modern appearance, the Tofino rack complements the urban landscape while providing a secure and convenient bike parking solution.

Cyclists highly favor the Omnium™ bike rack for its practical design, which minimizes bike-to-bike interference and entanglement, allowing all bikes to be parked in the same direction without handlebar issues. Notably, it offers secure U-Lock compatibility and a scratch-resistant bumper, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

For the past 30 years, our team has been known for manufacturing USA-made products that are not only functional but also well-loved by the cycling community. We’re dedicated to delivering top-quality, reliable bike parking options that ensure planners and cyclists alike feel confident in their choice. Bike-friendly streets are only as effective as the bike parking that pairs with them, and at Sportworks, our mission is to provide innovative solutions that enhance the cycling experience.

 Learn more about our commitment to quality and browse our range of top-quality, cyclist-preferred bike racks.