You are invited to explore the critical role of bike parking in fostering safe, accessible, and vibrant urban bicycle networks. This course delves into why bike parking is an essential part of growing a bicycle network, drawing on the City of Austin’s pioneering bike parking program as a case study. Not many people will ride a bike if they do not feel safe or worry about bicycle theft at their destination. Austin may have more bicycle parking racks than most cities of any size in the US. How did they do it? What did they do? What can other cities and towns learn from Austin’s bicycle parking program? Participants will learn how Austin initiated its program through strategic partnerships, innovative design, and policy updates, and how these efforts have enhanced cyclist safety, accessibility, and urban order. The course will cover practical strategies for integrating bike parking into development projects, collaborating with transit and community partners, and addressing challenges such as right-of-way constraints and e-bike parking needs.

Through real-world examples, including Austin’s creative use of colorful bike racks and in-street micro-mobility corrals, attendees will discover how bike parking can enhance pedestrian safety, improve traffic flow, and contribute to placemaking. The course will also address lessons learned, such as navigating regulatory hurdles and engaging communities to promote a culture of active transportation. Participants will leave with actionable insights and adaptable guidelines to implement or enhance bike parking programs in their own cities, ensuring secure, equitable, and sustainable urban mobility solutions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Importance of Bike Parking: Recognize the role of secure, accessible, and well-designed bike parking in enhancing urban mobility, promoting cycling as a legitimate transportation mode, and supporting sustainability goals for city planners, engineers, landscape architects, urban designers, and policymakers.
2. Master Design and Implementation Strategies: Learn to design and implement effective bike parking programs, including selecting appropriate equipment, distinguishing between short- and long-term parking needs, and integrating solutions like on-street corrals and weather-protected facilities for e-bikes and cargo bikes.
3. Navigate Regulatory and Spatial Challenges: Develop strategies to overcome common barriers, such as right-of-way constraints and outdated development codes, by leveraging partnerships, updating transportation criteria manuals, and creating clear bike parking guidelines.
4. Incorporate Placemaking and Community Engagement: Explore innovative placemaking techniques, such as colorful bike racks and artistic pavement designs, to enhance visibility and safety, and learn methods to engage communities in bike parking initiatives to foster cultural acceptance of cycling.
5. Address Emerging Trends in Micromobility: Gain insights into accommodating the growing use of e-bikes and scooters through tailored parking solutions, including secure, weather-protected options and signage, to ensure accessibility and order in urban environments.