---
title: "Bike Parking / Rack"
url: "https://commonwaysystem.org/patterns/elements/bike-parking-rack/"
id: "ELM-BPR-40"
description: "A fixed rack or set of racks, most commonly an inverted-U or similar design, providing a place to lock a bicycle, typically installed on a sidewalk or in a dedicated on-street corral."
updated: "2026-09-26"
---

# Bike Parking / Rack

`ELM-BPR-40`

Recommended Element

Bike Parking / Rack

A fixed rack or set of racks, most commonly an inverted-U or similar design, providing a place to lock a bicycle, typically installed on a sidewalk or in a dedicated on-street corral.

## Why this pattern exists

Reliable, well-designed bike parking is a necessary complement to any bike facility investment; without a secure place to park at the destination end of a trip, the quality of the route traveled matters less. This pattern exists to document rack design and placement considerations at the individual fixture level, distinct from the larger corral or secure-parking facility patterns it may be part of.[1]

## Key considerations

-   Rack design should support the bike frame at two points, an inverted-U or similar design, rather than a wheel-bender style that provides inadequate support and can damage wheels
-   Placement should avoid obstructing the sidewalk’s required pedestrian clear path of travel
-   Should be sited near actual destinations and entrances, not tucked away in low-visibility, low-security locations

## Related patterns

[Bike Parking Corral](https://commonwaysystem.org/patterns/facilities/bike-parking-corral.md) (FAC-BPC-08), [Secure Bike Parking/Bike Station](https://commonwaysystem.org/patterns/facilities/secure-bike-parking-bike-station.md) (FAC-SBP-10) (Facility-scale patterns this pattern is a component of)

## References

1.  Precedent-based [Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP), _Bicycle Parking Guidelines_, 2nd Ed. (2010). Inverted-U rack design standard, two-point frame support, placement near destinations.](https://www.apbp.org/Publications)