Bike Parking Regulations for Minneapolis, MN
The City of Minneapolis, MN has developed comprehensive bike parking regulations aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and providing accessible, secure bicycle parking for both short-term and long-term users. These regulations are tailored to the needs of various types of developments and prioritize security, visibility, and weather protection. The city’s zoning ordinances outline specific requirements for long-term (Class I) and short-term (Class II) bike parking, including the number of spaces required for different building types and the design standards for bicycle racks and lockers.
Long-term bicycle parking requirements
- Long-term bicycle parking must be provided in secure, enclosed areas that protect bicycles from theft, vandalism, and weather.
- These spaces are required for residential and non-residential developments, particularly for employees and residents needing storage for extended periods.
- Long-term parking must be located within the property or, with permission, off-site within 300 feet. At least 50% of long-term spaces must be accessible without using stairs or elevators.
- In residential settings, long-term parking cannot be located within dwelling units or on private patios or decks. Bicycle rooms in residential buildings must provide access to electricity for electric bicycles.
- No more than 75% of the spaces can be provided as wall-mounted racks that require lifting the bicycle into place.
Short-term bicycle parking requirements
- Short-term parking spaces are intended for visitors or customers who need temporary parking for shorter durations.
- These spaces must be located in visible, convenient locations within 50 feet of a primary building entrance.
- Bicycle racks should allow cyclists to lock the frame and at least one wheel securely. Public bicycle parking spaces can contribute to meeting this requirement when they are adjacent to the property.
- Short-term spaces are not required to have weather protection but should be well-lit and easily accessible.
Long-term bicycle parking design standards
- Long-term parking must be located in areas that provide protection from weather and theft, such as bicycle lockers or enclosed rooms.
- Racks should allow the frame and one wheel of the bicycle to be securely locked to prevent damage to components.
- The design must accommodate various bicycle sizes, including electric and cargo bicycles. The placement must not obstruct walkways or other necessary areas.
Short-term bicycle parking design standards
- Racks must be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and should not require the bicycle to be lifted to secure it.
- Short-term racks must allow locking of the bicycle frame and one wheel, and they should support the bike in a stable position without damaging it.
- These racks should be placed in highly visible, accessible areas within proximity to main entrances, typically within 50 feet.
Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type
| Facility Type | Minimum Spaces Required | Short/Long Term Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple-family dwellings (4+ units) | 1 space per units | 90% of total spaces long-term |
| Office | Greater of 3 spaces or 1 space per 4,000 sq. ft. | At least 50% long-term |
| Retail | Greater of 3 spaces or 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. | At least 50% short-term |
| Grocery stores | Greater of 3 spaces or 1 space per 2,000 sq. ft. | At least 50% short-term |
| Schools (K-12) | 3 spaces per classroom | At least 50% short-term |
| Light Industrial | Greater of 2 spaces or 1 space per 20,000 sq. ft. | At least 50% long-term |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Minneapolis, MN. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Bicycle Parking Incentive
The minimum automobile parking requirement for each non-residential use may be reduced ten (10) percent or one (1) space, whichever is greater, where bicycle parking spaces are provided equal to twenty-five (25) percent of the number of required automobile spaces specified in Table 541-1, Specific Off-Street Parking Requirements, but not less than four (4) bicycle parking spaces. This incentive shall allow for a reduction in the automobile parking requirement of no more than twenty-five (25) spaces on a zoning lot. To qualify for this incentive, bicycle parking shall comply with the standards for required bicycle parking as specified in this chapter. Where the bicycle incentive calculation results in a number less than or equal to the minimum bicycle parking requirement for a use specified in Table 541-3, Bicycle Parking Requirements, the bicycle incentive shall be increased to one (1) space greater than the minimum requirement. See Section 541.220 Minneapolis Code of Ordinances.
Showers and Personal Lockers
Minneapolis requires that buildings with over 200,000 square feet of gross floor area provide showers and personal lockers for employees and occupants. The requirement is one shower per 25,000 square feet of GFA for the first 200,000 square feet, and one additional shower for each 50,000 square feet thereafter. Full-size lockers must also be provided at a rate of one locker per 5,000 square feet of GFA for the first 200,000 square feet, and one locker per 10,000 square feet thereafter. These facilities are designed to accommodate employees and visitors who commute by bicycle. This requirement does not apply to hotels, retail buildings, or residential developments.
Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
In the downtown district, specific requirements apply. Developments in this area with over 500,000 sq. ft. must provide bicycle parking and related facilities as outlined in Chapter 549, Downtown Districts. For developments that provide automobile parking, at least one secure bike parking space must be provided for every 20 automobile spaces, but no fewer than four or more than thirty bicycle parking spaces are required.
Official Sources
Chapter 541: Minneapolis Off-Street Parking & Loading – Bike Parking
Chapter 555: Minneapolis Specific Off-Street Bicycle Parking Requirements
Chapter 541: Minneapolis Off-Street Parking & Loading – Bike Parking
Chapter 555: Minneapolis Specific Off-Street Bicycle Parking Requirements
