Grand Rapids, Michigan — For 45 years, CycleSafe has been designing bike lockers and parking solutions that are built to last a lifetime—not just a few years. Our products are engineered to withstand decades of use without breaking down, enabling communities to invest in infrastructure that’s both sustainable and secure. Since our founding, we’ve been honored to work with cities, universities, corporations, and transit systems worldwide to make cycling safer, more accessible, and more convenient for everyone. Our legacy of innovation and craftsmanship continues to drive us forward as we help communities embrace sustainable transportation.
A History of Innovation: From Concept to Industry Leader
The 1970s gas crisis sparked a cultural shift toward fuel-efficient transportation, including cycling. During this time, our founder Richard Hartger observed widespread bike theft and vandalism on college campuses. Inspired by the durability of marine dock boxes, he developed a weather-resistant, secure bicycle locker using composite materials.
In 1976, he received the first U.S. patent for a bicycle enclosure. A year later, he patented the ProPark® bike locker, a design still in production today. By 1980, CycleSafe officially launched as North America’s first bike locker company, laying the foundation for an entirely new industry.
Together with his wife, Susan Hartger—an accomplished landscape architect—the couple built CycleSafe into a global leader in secure bike storage.
Engineered for Longevity
Our products are designed for decades of reliable service. In fact, the first CycleSafe lockers, installed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1980, are still in use today.
We use Sheet Molding Composite (SMC), a compression-molded fiberglass material that’s lightweight yet stronger than steel. It’s resistant to rust, dents, graffiti, UV rays, and even fire, making it ideal for long-term bike storage, including e-bikes. The modular design allows easy repair and replacement, ensuring every locker serves riders for generations.
This unmatched durability reduces replacement cycles and minimizes resource use, making us one of the most sustainable options for bicycle parking.
Built for the Planet
At CycleSafe, we believe longevity and sustainability go hand in hand. When products last for decades, they naturally reduce environmental impact and lifecycle waste. Our “Buy America” certification reflects our commitment to sourcing and assembling products in the Midwest. By manufacturing locally, we support the regional economy while minimizing transportation emissions.
Through secure, long-lasting bike parking infrastructure, we help communities reduce carbon emissions, encourage cycling, and promote healthier lifestyles—all part of our mission to build a more sustainable future.
Driving the Future of Bike Parking with Smart Technology
Innovation has always been in our DNA. Today, we’re combining our 45 years of expertise with digital access technology to make bike parking smarter and more efficient.
With our smart, app-enabled bike lockers, cyclists can rent and unlock lockers directly from their phones—no keys or cash required. For administrators, our cloud-based management system offers real-time data, automated registration, secure payments, and branding options.
These tools reduce operating costs and make it easier to create bike-friendly campuses, cities, and workplaces—paving the way for the next generation of sustainable transportation.
Looking Ahead: A New Generation of Leadership
In 2024, we proudly welcomed Hannah Hartger, daughter of Richard and Susan Hartger, as our new Vice President. Hannah’s leadership carries forward our family legacy with a renewed focus on innovation, technology, and environmental stewardship.
We’re deeply grateful to the customers, partners, and advocates who have joined us on this journey—and we look forward to continuing to build a safer, greener, and more bike-friendly world together.
As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, we remain committed to our mission: to design secure, sustainable, and enduring bike parking systems that help communities thrive.
The journey doesn’t end here. We invite you to stay connected with us through our upcoming product launches, thought leadership, and industry collaborations.
Together, we can continue building secure, sustainable, and bike-friendly communities for generations to come.
Follow us on social media, subscribe to our emails, or contact our team to learn how we can support your next bike parking initiative.
