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A vibrant Seattle through transportation excellence Grace Crunican, Director

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Bike Rack Installation

Sidewalk Bike Racksphotot by Aghman  / Austin Hill  via Flickr

The Bicycle Spot Improvement Program installs bicycle racks in neighborhood business districts to encourage bicycling for short trips and errands. The racks provide safe and convenient bicycle parking.

Rack Installation

Racks are installed at the request of citizens and business or property owners or managers. Bicycle Program staff are available to meet with representatives from interested businesses to explain the program, answer questions and select locations for racks. Racks remains the property of SDOT. SDOT assumes responsibility for the racks but not for bicycles parked at them.

Rack Location Criteria

Several criteria are used in siting the racks:

Racks are installed in public space within City of Seattle limits, usually on a sidewalk with six or more feet of clear sidewalk space remaining.

Racks are placed at convenient, usable locations in close proximity to building entrances without impeding pedestrians.

Racks are placed with adequate clearance from curb ramps and crosswalks, street furniture, driveways, and parked cars.

Racks can be installed in bus stops or loading zones only if they do not interfere with boarding or loading patterns and there are no alternative locations.

Installation on Private Property

Racks on private property are usually paid for by the property owner. City racks are not available for purchase, but Bicycle Program staff can help property owners choose appropriate racks and installation locations.

Types of Racks

The Bicycle Program has selected the following racks that we prefer to install.

- The Rail-type rack, made of 2" galvanized pipe, 54 inches long, 32 inches high, and holds two bikes. The rack is unobtrusive, has no sharp edges or moving parts, and requires little maintenance.

- The Inverted-U rack - similar to the rail-type, but narrower.

- Cora racks, available in various capacities.

- The Bicycle-Circle rack, which converts former meter posts into bike racks.

If you notice a rack has become loose or damaged, please let us know.


How to get a Rack

First review the rack location criteria above to determine if your location qualifies.

E-mail the Bike Spot Program with the:

1. Address of the proposed bike rack location.
2. The name of the business.
3. The name of the business owner or manager.
4. The day phone number of the business owner or manager.
5. Your name.
6. Your address and zip code.
7. Your day phone number.
8. And any other comments you would like to make.

For more information about the Seattle Bicycle & Pedestrian Program, call (206) 684-7583.

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