Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bicycle Parking Regulations

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bike parking regulations are governed by Section 14-804 of the Philadelphia Zoning Code, which outlines requirements for both long-term (Class A) and short-term (Class B) bicycle parking. These regulations aim to support the city’s efforts in promoting cycling as a viable transportation option while ensuring convenience and security for cyclists.

The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections and the Streets Department are authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or appropriate to implement the zoning code regulations noted above.

Bicycle parking is an important “end of trip” facility that helps make bicycling a more viable transportation option for multiple trips. Bicycle parking is required in multiple types of developments in Philadelphia and can be permitted by the Streets Department, unlike many furnishings which require an ordinance from City Council.

Bicycle Parking Spaces Classifications

Bicycle Parking Space, Class 1: Bicycle parking spaces that deter theft and protect against inclement weather. Class 1A are bicycle spaces located in bicycle storage facilities, and Class 1B are bicycle racks located under a permanent overhead building structure. “Bicycle storage facility” is defined as a shed, storage room, or locker designed to hold one or more bicycles.

Bicycle Parking Space, Class 2: Bicycle parking spaces that deter theft but are not protected against inclement weather.

Long-Term (Class 1) Bicycle Parking Requirements

• Purpose: Long-term bicycle parking is intended for residents, employees, and other regular users who need secure storage for extended periods, typically inside buildings or other enclosed areas.
• Quantity: For multi-family buildings with more than 12 units, one Class A parking space is required per every 3 dwelling units. For residential buildings with more than 12 unites where occupancy is age-restricted to those aged 60 and over, one space is required per 10 units. For non-residential facilities, one space is required for every 10,000 square feet of floor area, with a minimum of two spaces for any building over 7,500 square feet.
• Location: Long-term parking must be located in a secure and weather-protected area, such as inside a building, bike lockers, or a secure enclosure within a parking facility.

Short-Term (Class 2) Bicycle Parking Requirements

• Purpose: Short-term bicycle parking is designed for visitors and customers who need convenient, easy access to parking near building entrances.
• Location: These spaces must be placed within 50 feet of the primary entrance to the building and be easily visible and accessible. Bicycle racks may also be installed in the public right-of-way if approved by the Streets Department.

Design Standards for Long-Term (Class 1) Bicycle Parking

• Security: Class 1 spaces must be located in secure areas, such as bicycle rooms, lockers, or cages, and should have tamper-proof locks. If provided, bicycle storage facilities shall be provided with tamper-proof locks. When multiple bicycles are stored together, provisions shall be made for locking bicycles individually.
• Protection: These spaces must be weather-protected to prevent exposure to rain, snow, or other environmental factors.

Design Standards for Short-Term (Class 2) Bicycle Parking

• Rack Design: Class 2 bike parking should include racks that can support the bicycle frame at two locations, prevent the bicycle from tipping over, and enable the frame and one or both wheels to be secured with a user-supplied locking device.
• Accessibility: These spaces should be within 50 feet of the main entrance, clearly visible, and well-lit to promote security.
• Racks may be placed in the public right-of-way provided the building owner enters into a maintenance agreement with the Streets Department and obtains approval for the installation. Racks should be placed a minimum of:
  • 18 inches from the curb, 3’ if poles or other items are in the furnishing zone (4.4.2);
  • 4’ from taxi loading areas, poles, tree pits (4.4.7), planters (4.4.8), and fire hydrants;
  • 5’ from the nearest bike rack (if both racks are parallel to the curb);
  • 5’ from building entrances;
  • 6’ from crosswalks; and
  • 30’ from a bus stop (4.6.5) sign or the far side of a bus shelter (50’ from the bus stop sign or near side of a shelter at stops served by articulated buses).

Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type

Multi-Family Buildings

Low-Occupancy Facilities

For bike parking requirements, low-occupancy facilities are buildings with no customer contact and less than one employee per every 10,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area.

Public Parking Lots

Bicycle parking spaces located in attended parking facilities shall be located next to the attendant booth or within an area under regular surveillance.

All Other Uses Not Noted Above

The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Philadelphia, PA. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.

Official Regulations

For more information on Philadelphia’s bicycle parking regulations, you can access the full details at Philadelphia Zoning Code Section 14-804

Philadelphia Bike Parking Zoning Code

Philadelphia Complete Streets Design Handbook