Bike Parking Regulations for Boulder, CO
In Boulder, CO, bicycle parking regulations and design standards aim to promote cycling as a sustainable transportation mode, with provisions for both long-term and short-term parking based on facility type.
Long-Term and Short-Term Bike Parking Requirements
Short-Term Parking
Short-term bicycle parking is intended for visitors and is typically required to be placed within 50 feet of building entrances. These racks must allow the locking of both the frame and one wheel of the bicycle, usually using inverted U-shaped racks or similar structures. The location should be visible, accessible, and in areas with good lighting.
Long-Term Parking
Long-term parking is intended for employees, residents, or other regular users who require secure parking for extended periods (such as all day or overnight). These spaces must be in secured areas like bike lockers or indoor bike rooms, and they must be protected from the weather. Long-term facilities should offer sufficient security, often involving key-card access or locked enclosures.
Design Standards
- Security: Long-term parking must be enclosed or covered, with secure locking mechanisms. Short-term racks must allow the frame and at least one wheel to be locked.
- Location: Short-term parking should be placed within sight of the main building entrance for convenience and safety.
- Accessibility: Both types of parking must be ADA-accessible, with minimum spacing between racks and unobstructed pathways.
Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type
| Facility Type | Short-Term Spaces | Long-Term Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Residential without garage | 2 space per unit | 75% of total spaces must be long-term; minimum of 2 per unit |
| Office | 1 space per 7500 sq. ft. | 75% of total spaces must be long-term; Minimum of 4 spaces. |
| Retail | 1 space per 2,500 sq. ft. | 25% of total spaces must be long-term; Minimum of 4 spaces. |
| Restaurants | 1 space per 1,500 sq. ft. | 25% of total spaces must be long-term |
| Schools (K-12) | 5 spaces per classroom | 50% long-term parking |
| Industrial | 1 space per 1,125 sq. ft. | 25% of total spaces must be long-term |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Boulder, CO. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers and Personal Lockers
Showers and personal lockers are encouraged for larger commercial developments, particularly office buildings, to support bike commuting. Generally, the city suggests providing 1 shower for every 20 long-term bicycle parking spaces, though this is not universally mandated.
Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
Some areas of Boulder, particularly the downtown core, may allow for the use of shared or public bicycle parking spaces instead of requiring each individual business to provide its own. Public racks and lockers are available at key locations, including parking garages and transit hubs.
