Proper placement and product selection of bike parking racks results in a positive pedestrian and cycling experience – keeping spacious walkways and paths clear while supplying premium bike parking amenities. What are the best practices for meeting ADA requirements, while creating shared space that meets the needs of cyclists and pedestrians of all abilities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to protect people with disabilities by ensuring they have equal access and opportunity across community life and employment. ADA standards require all local governments and cities, no matter the size, to remove physical barriers to accessibility and make basic modifications to policies when necessary. Some examples include accessible public sidewalks, ramps to entrances of public accommodations, effective communication, ADA-compliant signage, and more.* While you have likely noticed accessibility efforts in public transportation settings and designated parking spaces, it’s important that accessibility factors are considered when installing bicycle racks, as well.

Product selection is an important factor for any bike parking project. Many bike racks do not comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (see Chapter 3, Section 307.3). Sportworks Cane Detectable (ADA Compliant) Tofino™ No Scratch® Bike Rack features a low crossbar, making it detectable for those visually impaired and using a cane for assistance. The No Scratch® bumper helps protect bikes from getting scratched and the familiar “staple” format is U-lock compatible, for security. This type of cane-detectable bicycle rack is ideal for public walkways, sidewalks, plazas, school campuses, and any area where accessibility and safety are a priority.

Whether or not ADA compliance is a requirement for your project, designing for spaciousness and traffic flow is always a best practice. For heavily-trafficked areas, the compact footprint of the Westport No Scratch® rack is the best option, providing the perfect combination of form and function. The Westport rack checks all the boxes for security (U-lock compatible), aesthetics (sleek stainless-steel design), cyclist-preferred (won’t damage or scratch bikes), all while complying with ADA requirements in a compact form factor that allows spacious movement around the placement of the rack.

Do you need help designing an ADA-compatible bike parking and pedestrian area? Contact a bike parking expert for assistance or request a complimentary layout.

* https://adacentral.com/blog/do-cities-have-to-be-ada-compliant/

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