On-Street Bicycle Racks

Project Updates:

Fall 2011
  • As October comes to an end, the seaonal on-street bike racks are scheduled to be removed and stored
    • The racks will be removed on Sunday, October 23rd to allow for leaf and snow maintenance
  • 2011 Usage:
    • Most of the racks received great usage this year, particularly the racks that are most visible or that didn't need to be relocated for events
    • The racks on State Street, Fourth Ave, and Detroit Street averaged 5 and  6 bikes at any one time. That's 5 or 6 customers/employees/visitors getting use out of a single car space that typically accomodates one individual! Some locations didn't require the use of a parking space at all. 
  • The racks will return next Spring and we'd love your feedback - please share your thoughts on locations for bike parking in the DDA via our Bicycle Parking Request Form

Project History:

In August 2009, the DDA continued efforts to support a menu of transportation options and respond to the changing needs of Downtown users. To meet the growing demand for Downtown bicycle parking and determine the feasibility of on-street bike parking, the DDA installed racks as part of a summer pilot project. Similar on-street bicycle parking has been installed successfully in places such as Seattle, WA.
 

In downtown Ann Arbor it can sometimes be difficult to accommodate the demand for sidewalk bicycle parking in very active areas, as space can be at a premium given competing demands by café tables, book racks and pedestrian walk space. In this pilot program, the DDA installed bike racks in metered parking spaces that had been bagged for this purpose. The racks accommodate up to 14 bicycles in the space that would otherwise accommodate a single car. They will remain in place during warm weather months when bicycling is more popular, and removed when cold weather returns to allow for snow plowing, and other maintenance.

Community Feedback

To determine how well the 2009 pilot project worked to meet bicycle parking demand, the DDA sought feedback and received numerous comments from the community. The majority of the feedback voiced nearly unanimous support to continue the on-street bike rack program. Many people indicated a strong appreciation, noting that the racks helped to fill a need for bike parking while also adding to the hip feel of Downtown Ann Arbor.

Due to overwhelming support, the on-street rack program continues seasonally and racks will return again in Spring of 2011. To suggest a location for an on-street rack come spring, please visit our bicycle parking request form.