Bike Parking Regulations and Design Standards for New York City, NY
New York City has set comprehensive bicycle parking regulations in its zoning resolutions to encourage cycling as a practical transportation option. These regulations, detailed in Zoning Resolution Sections 25-80 (residential and community facilities) and 36-70 (commercial and mixed-use districts), define specific requirements for both short-term and long-term bike parking, addressing design standards, the number of spaces, and exemptions.
Long-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements
- Long-term parking is intended for residents, employees, and commuters who need secure spaces for extended periods. These spaces must be enclosed and weather-protected.
- Residential: For multi-family residential buildings (except for senior residences), one long-term bicycle parking space must be provided for every two dwelling units.
- Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors: One long-term parking space is required for every 10,000 square feet of floor area.
- For non-residential uses such as colleges, student dormitories, and commercial facilities, the requirements vary based on the square footage of the building. For instance, one space is required per 2,000 square feet of floor area for dormitories and one space per 5,000 square feet for classrooms, offices, and laboratories in colleges and universities.
Short-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements
- Short-term parking is primarily for visitors or customers who need bicycle storage for a few hours. These spaces must be accessible and convenient to the building entrance.
- Short-term parking requirements are not explicitly defined in residential areas but are typically provided in commercial developments.
- In commercial and community facilities, one short-term parking space is required for every 10 automobile parking spaces for lots with more than 18 spaces.
- These spaces should be located within 50 feet of a main entrance, and at least 30 inches of maneuverable space must be provided between racks. Additionally, 50% of required spaces may be located up to 100 feet from the main entrance for larger developments.
Design Standards for Long-Term Bicycle Parking
- Enclosed Bicycle Parking: Long-term bicycle parking must be enclosed, providing protection from the weather and secured by locks or a similar mechanism. Each space must be at least 15 square feet, though this can be reduced to nine square feet if the layout can accommodate this without compromising capacity.
- Security: Long-term parking must include racks or lockers that allow locking of both the bicycle frame and at least one wheel. Bicycle parking spaces in residential buildings must provide independent access to residents’ bicycles.
Design Standards for Short-Term Bicycle Parking
- Unenclosed Bicycle Parking: For commercial and community facility uses, unenclosed spaces are required at a rate of one space per 10 automobile spaces. These spaces must be within 50 feet of a main entrance and should allow for the secure locking of the bicycle frame and one wheel.
- Racks: Racks must be spaced with at least 30 inches of maneuverable space between parallel racks and at least 8 feet for aisles. Short-term parking can include Department of Transportation-provided racks if they meet these standards.
- For larger parking facilities, up to half of the required bicycle parking can be placed up to 100 feet from the entrance, though at least 50% must be within 50 feet of a main entrance. Department of Transportation racks on sidewalks may count toward these requirements.
Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type
| Facility Type | Short-Term Parking Requirement | Long-Term Parking Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (Multi-family) | None | 1 space per 2 dwelling units |
| Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors | None | 1 space per 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area |
| Dormitories (Community Facilities) | None | 1 space per 2,000 sq. ft. of floor area |
| Colleges/Universities (Classrooms, Labs) | None | 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area |
| Theaters, Auditoriums, Gymnasiums | None | 1 space per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area |
| Public Parking Garages | 1 per 10 automobile spaces for lots with more than 18 spaces, up to 200 automobile parking spaces | 1 per 10 automobile spaces for lots with more than 18 spaces |
| Offices and Laboratories | 1 per 10 automobile spaces for lots with more than 18 spaces, up to 200 automobile parking spaces | 1 per 7,500 square feet of floor area |
| Retail and Services | 1 per 10 automobile spaces for lots with more than 18 spaces, up to 200 automobile parking spaces | 1 per 10,000 square feet of floor area |
| Amusement or recreation facilities | 1 per 10 automobile spaces for lots with more than 18 spaces, up to 200 automobile parking spaces | 1 per 20,000 square feet of floor area |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements in New York City, NY. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers and Personal Lockers
New York City does not mandate the provision of showers or personal lockers for cyclists as part of its bike parking regulations. However, developers may include these amenities in large-scale developments to encourage cycling, especially for office buildings.
Regional Variations or Additional Requirements
Bicycle parking requirements may be reduced or waived in certain areas, such as subsidized housing developments or under specific site conditions. The City Planning Commission may authorize these reductions based on subsurface conditions or space limitations that would make it infeasible to provide bike parking.
Official Bike Parking Regulations Source
The full details of New York City’s bike parking regulations can be accessed via the following links:
Section 25-80 (Residential and Community Facility Uses)
Section 36-70 (Commercial Uses)
Section 25-80 Bike Parking for Residential and Community Facility Uses
