Buying & Installing Bike Racks

There’s good bike parking and there’s bad bike parking.  Installing desirable bike parking isn’t t rocket silence, but there are a few qualities that go into useful facilities. See our list below.

Purchasing Bike Racks

BikePGH is an Advocate Dealer for Dero bike racks; meaning a portion of your purchase goes towards supporting our work and creating safer streets for biking and walking in Allegheny County’s urban core.

Fortunately for us, Dero makes some of the industry’s most trusted products that are used throughout the world (they’re the company that the City of Pittsburgh and all the Universities purchase most of their bike racks from). They’re one of the largest bike rack manufacturers in the country, and they’re generous supporters of BikePGH. Check out their catalogue to find something that works for you.

If you have any questions, give BikePGH a call at (412) 325-4334 or email racks@bikepgh.org. We can even come out to your site for consultation. Below are some ballpark prices to get you started. Prices do not include shipping and handling and are subject to change. Click on the images to enlarge. Bulk discounts may be available.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Will the rack(s) be on public or private property? If you are placing the rack in the public right-of-way the process you must submit a bike rack permit.

click here to visit the city’s website that outlines all permit and request programs and processes.

• Pick the right rack.  Not all bike racks are created equal. Different spaces and uses will require different types of bike parking.  To make useful, efficient, desirable places to park bikes your facility should provide the following:

1. Bike racks should be in secure locations that are well lighted at night.
2. Be sure that the bike frame and wheel can both be locked to the rack. Avoid racks that only allow a wheel to be locked, aka “wheel benders”. See examples below.
3. Provide ample space between bike parking spaces, at least 24″, preferably more, when installing multiple racks.
4. Bike racks should be sheltered from the elements whenever possible.

The City of Pittsburgh recently released a fantastic new resource that outlines Pittsburgh’s bicycle parking guidelines. Visit this page for permits.

Not located in the City of Pittsburgh and want to install a bike rack in the public right-of-way? Contact your local municipality to get their process.

---

Approximate pricing

See Dero’s website for all available products.  Here are a few approximate prices to help with estimates.   Shipping and tax will be added to all orders through Dero. Standard galvanized hoop racks are available for pickup at the BikePGH office.

---

 

3 Rivers Bike Rack – Parks 2 Bikes – BikePGH’s iconic bike rack. These racks are seen throughout town and are a representation of the Point (where the 3 Rivers converge).

These public art bike racks are a premium, hand-made rack and must be special ordered.  Expect 5-7 weeks for delivery. Made of solid galvanized steel.

Price: varies depending on quantity $600-$2000/ea.

---

Hoop Rack – Parks 2 Bikes – The tried and true classic.  The Hoop Rack is a proven design that provides high security and easy bike parking. The Hoop Rack uses thick pipe construction and the full radius of the bend makes the Hoop an attractive and functional bike rack.  Simply add as many as you need to serve your bicycle parking needs.

Price: Available for pickup at the BikePGH office  (Galvanized) – $120

---

Bike Hitch – Parks 2 Bikes – The Bike Hitch is an attractive and space efficient bike rack. The Bike Hitch was specifically designed for sidewalks and other narrow space applications. The design of this bicycle rack restricts bikes to parking parallel with the rack, so bikes won’t intrude into the sidewalk or street.

Price: $130

---

Campus Rack– Parks 3-13 Bikes depending on length and if you go double sided – The Campus Rack provide you with good bike support, orderly bicycle parking and high security. The design of this bike rack supports the frame of the bike while keeping the fork from twisting. The result is convenient, orderly bike parking. The Campus Rack is available in single or double sided models in various lengths. The single sided model is ideal for sidewalk placement, while the double sided model staggers bikes opposite from each other for greater space efficiency. The Campus Rack will also accommodate scooters.

Single sided (powder coated or galvanized) – For use with one side against wall

• You choose size 3 – 8 bikes: $430-$680

Double sided (powder coated or galvanized) – Bikes can be locked to either side

• You choose 7 -13 bikes: $480 – $800

---

 

Ultra Space Saver vertical rack – modular design allows you to park as many bikes as you need – The Ultra Space Saver rack is the bike rack of choice for indoor bike parking rooms/areas.  They keep the bikes orderly, in a space-efficient manner, and allow you to securely lock the frame. The USS rack can be mounted directly into the wall or in a floor-mounted movable unit.

Price: $130/ea

---

 

More Resources

Click here to download the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professional’s bike rack design guidelines.

Click Here to see a handy resource guide on bicycle parking for both indoor and outdoor parking. This is geared toward building owners, managers, and employers

Click here for Dero’s guide to designing your bike parking facility.