Bike Parking Regulations for Madison, WI
In Madison, WI, the bike parking regulations and design standards are part of the city’s broader parking and loading standards as outlined in Section 28.141 of the Madison Code of Ordinances. The following is a detailed breakdown of the bike parking requirements and design standards relevant to architects and engineers.
The City of Madison has developed comprehensive bicycle parking regulations to support sustainable transportation and encourage cycling. These regulations, which cover both long-term and short-term parking, are designed to ensure that all new developments and significant renovations provide adequate, safe, and accessible bike parking. Madison’s zoning ordinance emphasizes a balance between car and bike infrastructure, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban environment.
Long-Term and Short-Term Bike Parking Requirements
Short-Term Parking
Short-term parking is intended for visitors and must be located within 100 feet of a principal entrance. Bicycle racks must allow the locking of the frame and one wheel, supporting the bike in a stable position. Parking must be ground-mounted and non-vertical, with a vertical clearance of at least six feet.
Long-Term Parking
Long-term parking is designed for residents, employees, and other regular users. It must be in a secured and weather-protected area, such as inside a locked room or an enclosed locker. At least 90% of residential bike parking must be long-term, and it cannot be located inside dwelling units or private storage areas.
Design Standards for Bicycle Parking
Long-Term Parking Design Standards
- Security: Long-term parking must be secure, with options such as bike lockers, lockable enclosures, or dedicated bike rooms.
- Weather Protection: Parking must be sheltered to protect bikes from weather.
- Access: The parking must be easily accessible without moving other bikes.
- Size and Space: Each bike parking space must be at least 2 feet by 6 feet, with a 5-foot-wide access aisle.
Short-Term Parking Design Standards
- Security: All racks shall accommodate cable locks and “U” locks including removing the front wheel and locking it to the rear fork and frame.
- Visibility: Short-term parking should be visible from the building entrance to promote usage.
- Accessibility: Short-term parking must be positioned to avoid blocking pathways and should be accessible without obstructions.
Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type
For all residential uses, including those in combination with other uses, at least ninety percent (90%) of required resident bicycle parking shall be designed as long-term parking. Any guest parking shall be designed as short-term parking. For all other uses, at least ninety percent (90%) of all bicycle parking shall be designed as short-term parking.
| Facility Type | Required Bike Parking Spaces | Short-term/Long-term Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-family housing | 1 per unit up to 2-bedrooms, one-half space per additional bedroom; 1 guest space per 10 units | 90% of total spaces as long-term; 10% short-term |
| Office | 1 per 2.000 sq. ft. | 10% as long-term; 90% short-term |
| Retail | 1 per 2.000 sq. ft. | 10% as long-term; 90% short-term |
| Restaurants | 5% of capacity of persons | 10% as long-term; 90% short-term |
| Schools (K-12) | 1 space per 5 students | 10% as long-term; 90% short-term |
| Colleges/Universities | 1 space per classroom and 1 per 5 students | 10% as long-term; 90% short-term |
Up to twenty-five percent (25%) of bicycle parking may be structured parking, vertical parking or wall mount parking, provided there is a five (5) foot access aisle for wall mount parking.
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Madison, WI. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers and Personal Lockers
For certain larger developments such as office buildings, the regulations encourage the provision of showers and personal lockers to support bicycle commuting. Typically, this applies to office buildings of a significant size, but the exact requirements are determined based on zoning and use.
Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
In transit-oriented development (TOD) overlay districts, maximum parking requirements apply, and there may be opportunities for parking reductions if shared or alternative transportation options are available.
Official Sources
Madison Bicycle Parking and Loading Standards
