Bike Parking Lot on Allen Street

December 10, 2008

San Francisco :: This bike parking plaza is designed for permanent year-round use

On July 21, the State College Borough Council approved conversion of one parking space in the 100 block of Allen Street to bicycle parking. This type of conversion is in use in other urban areas. For the conversion to succeed, the bike parking must be in a location where demand for parking is high. It must be convenient for cyclists to access and use, and must include structural elements to protect the cyclist and the parked bikes from passing motor vehicle traffic. Simply placing a bike rack in an empty parking space is not adequate for bike parking needs. Demand for bike parking is high on South Allen Street.

Initially, the conversion will be seasonal, running only from April 1 to November 15.

Below are examples of successful conversions of parking spaces to bicycle parking.

Amsterdam, Nl. :: Also designed for seasonal removability, note how the bikes are well protected by the permanent tree planter and removeable rails. Amsterdam, Nl. :: Note the bike path protected from the street by parked cars. The parked bikes are protected by the metal bumpers on the right. This rack can be quickly removed from the street. Copenhagen, Dk. :: Bikes are protected by tree planters and an outside rail. Brooklyn, New York City :: Permanent conversion of parking spaces.