Aesthetics

From BikeOff Parking Standards Consultation

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Aesthetics

1. The absence of cycle parking facilities can lead to cycles being secured to other street furniture - flyparked - which can be unsightly and hazardous.^[1]
2. It is much better to source cycle parking that fits in well with the local environment. For example, an historic cicty centre may warrant a Sheffield stand that matches, lockers and/or buildings and locate them in a prominent position, rather than hide a utilitarian stand behind a building or within landscaping where it will not be used.^[2]
3. Cycle parking should look like it is part of the surrounding environment. Where an area has a particular aesthetic, consider this in the design of parking facilities.^[3]
4. In visually sensitive locations, other bike parking options than standard racks, such as hitching rings fixed to fences where handlebars can be accommodated, are a good compromise.^[4]
5. Consider the appearance of the area with and without bicycles.^[5]
6. For U-stands (Sheffield stands), a stainless steel finish will give a longer lasting high quality finish.^[6] The use of a brushed finish and a contrasting backgound will help partially sighted people detect stainless steel racks more easily.^[7] For more details of the types of finishes available and furniture design, see section 12 below.
7. For sheltered cycle parking, where possible, bicycle storage will be located below existing canopies. This will lead to a less cluttered appearance and lower costs.^[8]
8. The ‘boxy’ aesthetic of (some) bicycle lockers should be considered in relation to its impact on the environment and for other users.^[9]

References

1. ↑ Nottinghamshire County Council (2006).Transport for London (2006). Workplace Cycle Parking Guide.
2. ↑ Sheffield City Council (2007).Cora Bike Rack (2007).
3. ↑ New South Wales Parking Guidelines (2005).Sustrans Cycle Parking Sheet FF37 (2004).Transport for London (2006). Workplace Cycle Parking Guide.Transport for London (2007a). Cycling Design Standards.Santa Cruz California Bicycle Parking Ordinance (2007).CTC Best Practice Benchmarking: Cycle Parking (2003).Sustrans (2007). Chapter 9 - Signing, Parking and Other Details.London Cycling Campaign (2001).
4. ↑ Sustrans (2007). Chapter 9 - Signing, Parking and Other Details. Lancaster University Cycle Parking Improvement Strategy (2007).
5. ↑ Transport for London (2007b). Cycle Parking Standards.
6. ↑ Lancaster University Cycle Parking Improvement Strategy (2007).
7. ↑ Transport for London (2006). Workplace Cycle Parking Guide.
8. ↑ Lancaster University Cycle Parking Improvement Strategy (2007).
9. ↑ Victoria Transport Policy Institute (2007). Bicycle Parking, Storage and Changing Facilities.