A Primer on Effective Bike Parking

Two writers share the secrets to Arlington County's multi-modal success—especially with regard to the importance of well-designed bike parking at locations residential and commercial.

1 minute read

May 9, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Arlington now contains more than 5,000 bike-parking spaces as a result of its development review and approval process," write Melissa McMahon and Paul Goddin. "The county’s commitment to cycling is shown in the attention it pays to the construction of these facilities, as specified in its Guide to Effective Bicycle Parking for residential and commercial buildings, updated in February 2014."

In fact, "[biking] isn’t just about lanes and trails. It’s also about bicycle parking facilities." To demystify some of the design and planning concepts behind bike parking facilities, McMahon and Goddin list ten of the characteristics of quality bike parking, like "Class Matters" (Class 1 bike parking versus Class 2 and 3), "Materials Matter," and "Management Matters."

The post also includes a lot of links to studies and reports that make the case for the critical role biking and bike facilities can play in community and economic development. 

Thursday, May 8, 2014 in Mobility Lab

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog