Toronto, Ontario, Bicycle Parking Requirements
The City of Toronto has detailed and structured regulations for bicycle parking, specified in its Zoning By-law 569-2013, which provides requirements for both Class A and Class B bicycle parking. These regulations ensure adequate and secure bicycle parking facilities across various building types and land uses, helping to promote cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation in the city.
Class A and Class B Bicycle Parking Requirements
Class A Bicycle Parking Requirements
Class A bicycle parking is designed for long-term use, catering primarily to building occupants, tenants, and employees who need secure and protected storage for their bicycles over extended periods. Class A spaces must be:
- Located inside a building or a secure area such as a bike room or locker.
- Protected from the weather and theft, with limited access only to authorized users.
- The spaces must meet minimum dimensional requirements, including:
- Length: 1.8 meters
- Width: 0.6 meters
- Vertical clearance: 1.9 meters
- Stacked or vertical parking is allowed, with the minimum vertical clearance for each stacked parking space set at 1.2 meters.
Class B Bicycle Parking Requirements
Class B bicycle parking is intended for short-term use by visitors or customers. These spaces are typically located outdoors, near the building entrance, and must be easy to access. Class B spaces must be:
- Located within 15 meters of the main entrance to the building.
- Visible, well-lit, and designed for easy access to enhance security and encourage usage.
- The racks must be able to accommodate the locking of both the frame and at least one wheel of the bicycle with a U-lock.
- The minimum dimensions for Class B spaces include:
- Length: 1.8 meters
- Width: 0.6 meters
- Vertical clearance: 1.9 meters.
Design Standards for Class A Bicycle Parking
Class A bicycle parking spaces must meet the following design standards:
- The spaces must be located inside the building, such as in a bicycle room, locker, or secure bicycle enclosure, and must be weather-protected.
- The minimum required space dimensions must be adhered to, and the area must allow users to lock their bicycles securely.
- At least 10% of the Class A spaces must be individual lockers.
- For stacked or vertical parking, lift-assist mechanisms must be provided for upper-level spaces.
- Adequate lighting and signage must be installed in the bicycle parking area to ensure visibility and security.
Design Standards for Class B Bicycle Parking
Class B bicycle parking spaces must:
- Be located close to building entrances, no more than 15 meters away, and be visible from the building entrance.
- The racks must allow for the secure locking of the bicycle frame and one wheel with a U-lock.
- Class B parking should be accessible, with a clear path from the street or sidewalk, and should not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
Toronto is divided into two bicycle parking zones: Bicycle Zone 1 (central, urban core) and Bicycle Zone 2 (outlying areas). The requirements for both long-term and short-term bicycle parking spaces differ slightly between these zones. Zone 1 has higher bicycle parking requirements due to its dense, urban nature.
Table: Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Land Use
| Land Use Type | Required Class A Bike Parking Spaces | Required Class B Bike Parking Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Eating Establishment | Bicycle Zone 1: 0.2 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an eating establishment Bicycle Zone 2: 0.13 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an eating establishment | Bicycle Zone 1: 3 plus 0.3 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an eating establishment Bicycle Zone 2: 3 plus 0.25 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an eating establishment |
| Office | Bicycle Zone 1: 0.2 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an office, other than a medical office Bicycle Zone 2: 0.13 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an office, other than a medical office | Bicycle Zone 1: 3 plus 0.2 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an office, other than a medical office Bicycle Zone 2: 3 plus 0.15 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for an office, other than a medical office |
| Retail Store | Bicycle Zone 1: 0.2 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a retail store Bicycle Zone 2: 0.13 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a retail store | Bicycle Zone 1: 3 plus 0.3 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a retail store Bicycle Zone 2: 3 plus 0.25 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a retail store |
| Hospital | Bicycle Zone 1: 0.1 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a hospital Bicycle Zone 2: 0.06 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a hospital | Bicycle Zone 1: 3 plus 0.1 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a hospital Bicycle Zone 2: 3 plus 0.06 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a hospital |
| Public and Private School | Bicycle Zone 1: 0.1 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a public school or private school Bicycle Zone 2: 0.06 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a public school or private school | Bicycle Zone 1: 3 plus 0.1 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a public school or private school Bicycle Zone 2: 3 plus 0.06 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for a public school or private school |
| Post-Secondary School | Bicycle Zone 1: 1.0 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for post-secondary school offices and classrooms Bicycle Zone 2: 0.6 for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for post-secondary school offices and classrooms | Bicycle Zone 1: 3 plus 0.3 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for post-secondary school offices and classrooms Bicycle Zone 2: 3 plus 0.18 bicycle parking spaces for each 100 square metres of interior floor area used for post-secondary school offices and classrooms |
The above information represents a partial list of the building classifications and their bike parking requirements for Toronto, Ontario. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Bicycle Room Requirements
For Class A bicycle parking, rooms must:
- Provide secure access via locked doors or passcodes.
- Be well-lit, with sufficient lighting (minimum 160 lux at floor level).
- Allow sufficient clearance and space for movement, with no more than 40 bicycles in one room unless the room is divided into secure, lockable compartments.
- For large developments, bicycle maintenance facilities are required, with a minimum room size of 1.8 meters by 2.6 meters, and vertical clearance of 1.9 meters.
Showers and Change Facilities
Toronto requires the provision of showers and change facilities in buildings where Class A bicycle parking is required for non-residential uses. These amenities help to support bicycle commuters. The specific requirements are as follows:
| Class A Bicycle Parking Spaces | Showers and Change Facilities |
|---|---|
| 5-60 spaces | 1 per gender |
| 61-120 spaces | 2 per gender |
| 121-180 spaces | 3 per gender |
| More than 180 spaces | 4 per gender |
Where to Find Official Regulations
The official regulations for bicycle parking in Toronto can be found in the city’s Zoning By-law 569-2013, Section 230. This document is accessible at City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013.
