Boston, MA, Bike Parking Regulations and Standards
The City of Boston has detailed and structured bike parking regulations and design standards that aim to enhance the accessibility, safety, and convenience of bicycle parking for both short-term and long-term users. These regulations are part of the city’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation options and are applicable to various types of developments.
Long-Term and Short-Term Bike Parking Requirements
Long-Term Bicycle Parking
Long-term parking is designed for employees, residents, and commuters who need secure and weather-protected storage for extended periods.
Must be located indoors or within a covered and secure area.
A minimum of 25% of the required long-term parking spaces must be at ground level, allowing users to easily lock their bicycles without lifting.
Two-tier racks are allowed but must include a lift-assist mechanism for the upper level. No more than 75% of long-term bicycle parking can be high-density spaces secured with two-tier racks with lift systems.
Electric bike charging must be provided where electric bicycles are expected.
Short-Term Bicycle Parking
Short-term parking caters to visitors, customers, and other users needing easy access for a short period.
Bicycle racks must be installed in visible and accessible areas, ideally within 25 feet of a building entrance.
Post-and-ring racks or inverted U-racks are required for short-term parking.
The parking area must be well-lit and positioned to avoid pedestrian or vehicle conflicts.
Design Standards for Long-Term Bicycle Parking
Must be weather-protected and located in a secure location, such as a bike room, shed, or lockers.
Security measures such as key, fob, or card-controlled access are necessary for long-term storage.
At least 5% of long-term parking spaces must be extra-wide to accommodate cargo or adaptive bicycles.
Clear access routes to the parking area must be provided, free from obstructions, and the area must be illuminated for safety.
Design Standards for Short-Term Bicycle Parking
Racks must support the bicycle upright with at least two points of contact to prevent tipping over.
The design must allow locking of the frame and one wheel using a U-lock or similar locking mechanism.
Racks must be durable, constructed from materials like stainless steel, and securely anchored to the ground.
Clearances around the rack must ensure sufficient space for pedestrian movement and access to the bicycles.
The City of Boston’s standard post-and-ring rack is the only rack approved for satisfying visitor parking guidelines and for installation in the public right-of-way.
Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Land Use
| Land Use Type | Short-Term Bicycle Parking | Long-Term Bicycle Parking | Showers | Lockers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential (4 or more units) | 1 space per 5 units (minimum 4 spaces) | 1 space per unit (0.5 per unit for senior housing) | N/A | N/A |
| Office/Admin | 1 space per 20,000 sq. ft. (min. 6) | 1 space per 2,500 sq. ft. | 1 per 60,000 sf (1 minimum) | 1 per 6,000 sf (1 minimum) |
| Retail | 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. | 1 space per 3,000 sq. ft. | 1 per 60,000 sf (1 minimum) | 1 per 6,000 sf (1 minimum) |
| Institutional | 1 per 2,500 sf | 1 per 2,500 sf | 1 per 20,000 sf (1 minimum) | 1 per 2,000 sf (1 minimum) |
| Industrial | 1 space per 40,000 sq. ft. | 1 space per 12,000 sq. ft. | 1 per 480,000 sf (1 minimum) | 1 per 480,000 sf (1 minimum) |
| Lodging | 1 space per 20,000 sq. ft. | 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. | 1 per 20,000 sf (1 minimum) | 1 per 2,000 sf (1 minimum) |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Boston, MA. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers and Personal Locker Requirements
Shower and locker requirements in the above table may be substituted with free access to showers and lockers at an on-site health club or gym that can be accessed without going outside.
Bikeshare Requirements
The city of Boston also has bikeshare requirements, including the number of required bikeshare stations and bikeshare contribution. Minimum bikeshare contributions apply to projects subject to BPDA’s Article 80 Large Project Review.
Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
Some areas, like Downtown Boston, have more stringent requirements for bikeshare contributions. For projects located in neighborhoods such as the Downtown, North End, South End, or Fenway, developments must provide space for larger bikeshare stations with a minimum of 19 docks. Elsewhere, a 15-dock station is sufficient.
Where to Find Official Regulations
The official bike parking regulations for Boston can be found at:
