The following should be observed when selecting and locating bicycle storage facilities:

Rack Selection
Since all bicycles racks are not designed in a similar manner, one has to pay special attention to when choosing a bicycle rack for bicycle storage. Among the array of available styles, some Bicycle racks maybe ideal bicycle storage for certain situations, while others maybe unsuitable or even harmful. A good bicycle rack would hold the bicycle frame and allow it to be held by a U-lock.
The wheelbender Bicycle racks that were used originally for bicycle storage would only hold the bicycle’s wheel and cannot accommodate the U-shaped shackle lock which many experienced cyclists use today. Bicycle storage or parking may be provided in floor, wall or ceiling mounted racks as long as they meet the following requirements:


Today, any rack that only holds the wheel or is unsuitable for a U-lock is not considered a popular bicycle storage facility.

Picking the appropriate Location
In order to ensure the use of the bicycle storage facility by cyclists, when considering an area for bicycle storage one should choose locations that are easy to find, convenient to use and secure enough against bicycle thefts. Bicycle storage facilities could be located where bicycles are already being parked or at places that are recommended by bicycle advisory groups. Special permits may be required if one wishes to install bicycle parking on a sidewalk or in front of a building.

Short-Term Parking
Those who require the bicycle storage facility for a period less than two hours may avail of this facility. Short term bicycle storage or bicycle parking provides shoppers, messengers and the like a convenient and readily accessible place to park their bicycles while they attend to their errands. These facilities are usually located within 50 feet of the building entrance and in instances of multiple entrances in a building; the parking would be distributed to serve all entrances. At least 50% of the parking area should be covered if more than 10 short-term spaces are utilized.

Every effort must be made to locate the bicycle storage facility in a visible and prominent location in order to make it easier for cyclists to see the parking area. If a bicycle rack is visually or physically isolated in the bicycle storage area it will not be used and could be an easy target for bicycle thieves.

Bicycle racks should be located clear of pedestrian traffic and should afford adequate space for the cyclist to maneuver his bicycle and gear for bicycle storage. Bicycle storage racks may be located on sidewalks or pathways provided there is adequate clearance for pedestrian traffic. A rail or eyelets which are secured onto a building wall could suffice to lock the bicycle where it is out of the way of traffic thus providing an additional means of bicycle storage.

Long-Term Parking
Long-term Bicycle storage facilities are mainly used by employees, students, residents, commuters and the like who stay at a site for several hours. These people require the bicycle storage or parking facility for several hours and hence, security and weather-protection for the bicycles become a chief concern. Ideally, long-term parking should be located on site or within 750 feet of the site since daily bicycle commuters would be wiling to walk a short distance (i.e. three blocks) if the bicycle storage or parking facility provides adequate security. The following would make the cyclists confident that their bicycle is secure in the bicycle storage facility:

- Bicycle storage areas monitored by a security camera
- Bicycle storage locations that are visible from employee work areas
- A locked room or an area enclosed by a fence with a locked gate
- Bicycle storage within view of an attendant or a security guard

Owing to the duration of the bicycle storage, at least 50% of long-term bicycle parking should be covered so as to provide weather protection. Indoor bicycle storage would be the best option since it is often possible to find a secure room or an area in a basement or under a stairway. Other such interior spaces that don’t have any other usage would do just as well. Wall-mounted Bicycle racks are ideally suited to indoor bicycle storage. However, sufficient lighting is imperative in the bicycle storage area since lighting increases security of property and personal safety.

One could opt for enclosed Bicycle lockers in areas with a lesser degree of security or where it is difficult to provide complete weather protection. Bicyclers may even be willing to pay a monthly fee to lease such lockers in the bicycle storage facility.

The long-term Bicycle storage facility should never stand in isolation. If the Bicycle rack is visibly or physically isolated, it could be easily overlooked by the cyclists and also be an easy target for thieves.