Albuquerque's own Bikeways & Trails Facilities Plan (2015) Appendix F: "End-of-Trip Facility Evaluation" gives a great overview of suggestions around bike parking still needed in the city, including:
The provision, design, and placement bicycle parking facilities varies widely. Local and national best practices can be used to encourage a more consistent approach to end of trip facilities to maximize the usefulness of these facilities and minimize maintenance costs. [ ... ] In general, the City of Albuquerque should:
- Require bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities in both newly constructed buildings and redevelopment.
- Consider both long-term and short-term parking requirements.
- Provide incentives to encourage bicycle parking facilities beyond the minimum requirements.
- Provide guidance on the design and placement of these facilities.
- Establish a bike rack program that assists in the location, design and funding of bicycle racks to stimulate retrofitting short-term bicycle parking in the existing network.
- Consider placement of enhanced bicycle facilities (e.g., a bicycle depot) at key transit exchanges, such as the Alvarado Transit Center, if demand analysis indicates adequate potential for facility use.
The Draft 2024 Plan similarly has a section titled New Programs to Initiate, whose first entry is Bike Rack Program, stating: "The City should develop and implement a Bike Rack Program to proactively identify and install racks at key locations within the City right-of-way." Further, it contains a section Bike Parking, saying, "Bike Parking Easily accessible bike parking at popular destinations and transit facilities is a critical component to increasing the share of bicycling trips."
The League of American Bicyclists' Roundup of Bike Parking Resources is a great introduction and includes explanations, standards, and notes on funding, including a link to US DOT grants available.
The Federal Transit Administration maintains a list of Program & Bicycle Related Funding Opportunities, many of which include bike racks as "Eligible Bicycle Activities".
The Federal Highway Administration provides a course on bicycle parking and storage, which states "Bicycle parking is one of the most important investments in order to improve and encourage bicycle travel in urban areas. This lesson describes how to develop a successful bicycle parking program, including implementation strategies, resource requirements, and design considerations."
Below are excerpts from a selection of city-run free bicycle rack installation programs.
They offer a sense of the purpose behind the programs, as well
as a look at some of the specifics of the installation parameters.
The City of Portland recognizes the need to provide convenient, secure bicycle parking for employees and shoppers. In commercial districts, PBOT can install up to two FREE bike racks on the sidewalk in front of your property, but not on private property. These provide convenient bike parking for employees, visitors, and shoppers. Additional racks may be installed for a cost of $150 per bike rack. [1] [2]
Bicycle parking is an important element to Denver’s mobility system. Providing parking for bicycles near employment, retail, and other destinations ensures equitable options for multimodal transportation. Adequate bicycle parking is good for business, increases ridership, offers an alternative to driving, and decreases the demand for automobile parking. [...] To expand Denver's multi-modal transportation options as seen through the Strategic Transportation Plan; To provide dedicated, end-of-trip parking for people on bikes; To increase compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act and ensure pedestrian comfort in the sidewalk area [3]
The City of Omaha currently has a program to provide bike racks to businesses and organizations. These are black "staple" shaped racks. The City will deliver and install the racks free of charge if placed in the public right-of-way. Providing secure and convenient bicycle parking is a key ingredient in efforts to support bicycling in the City of Omaha. The City of Omaha Bicycle Parking Guide serves as a resource for developers and property owners looking for information on recommended bicycle rack types, placement and spacing requirements, and other related information. Since 2020, the City's zoning code (Chapter 55-745) has required projects in the Mixed Use (MU) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning districts to provide bicycle parking. [4]
The City of Atlanta is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable network of bicycle infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities. Publicly accessible bicycle racks are essential to the City of Atlanta’s continued focus on expanding and encouraging multi-modal transportation. To request the installation of an inverted U bicycle rack or a bicycle corral in the public right of way, submit a Bicycle Parking Application. [5]
As more Austin residents and visitors discover the joy and efficiency of riding a bike, secure and convenient bike parking becomes increasingly important. Installing bike parking on the street frees up valuable sidewalk space and enhances the visibility and attractiveness of nearby storefronts. We encourage property owners and managers to provide secure bike parking to customers and tenants. The City of Austin's Active Transportation Program helps install free bike parking within public right of way. [6]
The LADOT Sidewalk Bike Parking Program installs bike racks in the public right-of-way to encourage ridership by providing convenient locations to lock bikes on a short-term basis. The LADOT Sidewalk Bike Parking Program installs bike racks for public, short-term use within the City of Los Angeles. Anyone may request a city-installed bike rack through our online form. [7]
The City of Tucson Department of Transportation & Mobility (DTM) provides free bike racks upon request, as long as certain requirements are met. DTM can also install bike racks in the public rights-of-way. Good bike parking has several benefits for businesses and their patrons, including: Increased total parking that improves access for your customers; Communication to customers that your business is bike friendly; A more orderly streetscape that preserves the pedestrian right-of-way; People on bikes tend to be more frequent customers of businesses, and when they park, they don’t take car parking spaces away from those who choose to drive. Having secure and convenient places to park a bicycle at local destinations is essential in encouraging people to make more trips by bike. The City of Tucson Department of Transportation & Mobility (DTM) promotes greater options for those making trips by bike, in part by adding bicycle parking. [8]