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Title:
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Bicycle Parking Facilities
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Title
Bicycle Parking Facilities
Explanation
The City Commission has requested that staff prepare a report on the type of bicycle facilities allowed and used in Gainesville. Previously, the City adopted a resolution that allows three types of bicycle parking facilities: (1) the Inverted-U, (2) the "Wave Rack", and (3) the Storage Locker. The Storage Locker is, by far, the most expensive type of bicycle parking facility, but is considered the "Cadillac" of bicycle parking facilities because it protects the bicycle from weather and vandalism. For these reasons, it is the facility of choice for long-term bicycle parking. The Inverted-U rack is easy to use and understand, relatively inexpensive, durable, usable by a full range of bicycle sizes and locks, attractive, provides adequate space between bicycles, protects the bicycle finish (if covered with PVC or similar material), and provides adequate frame support. Based on staff research one of the allowed models, the "Wave Rack" (used, for example, by the Alachua County Main Library downtown), suffers from a number of serious problems and should not be allowed for bicycle parking in the City. The "Wave/Ribbon Rack" is relatively confusing, does not provide adequate bicycle frame support (which causes bicycles to often fall or slide to the bottom of the rack), does not provide protection of the bicycle finish, and does not provide adequate space to maneuver between the "waves" in the rack.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a presentation from staff; and 2) refer to the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Board staff's proposal to prohibit the use of the "Wave/Ribbon Rack" and remove it from the list of City-approved bicycle parking facilities.