HomeMy Public PortalAboutBicycle_ParkingTown of Watertown
Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee
GUIDE TO BICYLE PARKING
This guide explains Watertown's Zoning Requirements for Bicycle Parking. If you are planning a new
development, you may be required to install bicycle parking that meets these zoning requirements. Even
if you are not required to install bicycle parking you may want to attract and accommodate cyclists. If you
see bicycles locked to trees, posts or other stationary objects nearby that may be a sign that you need
bicycle parking. You may already have bicycle parking installed but find it is not being used.
The zoning regulations contain specifications that ensure that any bicycle parking you install will work. It
can be very simple and easy to do. Follow the diagrams below or check out the zoning regulations
explained on the next page.
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WATERTOWN ZONING ORDINANCE -
SECTION 6.07
(a) Off street bicycle parking should be provided a
follows:
GUIDELINES/EXPLANATION
■ ■
Only if you have fewer than 15 automobile spaces or
are one of the uses specified in section (5) below are
you exempt from this requirement.
The minimum 4 spaces can be easily accommodated
by two U frame racks.
(1) One bicycle parking space for every 15 automobile
parking spaces, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum
of 50 spaces, must be provided. No bicycle parking is
required where fewer than 15 automobile parking
spaces are required.
(2) Each bicycle parking space shall be sufficient to
accommodate a bicycle 7 feet in length and 2 feet in
width.
Inverted U frame racks that support the bicycle at
two or more points above and on either side of the
bicycle's center of gravity are required. An
alternative style of rack that, in the opinion of the
Zoning Board of Appeals, provides a comparable level
of security and convenience may be provided.
Racks must be secured to the ground.
Spacing needs to allow for easy access and
maneuverability. Rack should be at least 2 feet from
any obstacle. Provide a space for the bicycle 7 feet
by 2 feet.
U frames are generally the best design. Post and
ring styles also work. Any alternate style should be
at least 30 inches high to meet the support
requirement.
Secure in a method that can not be easily undone
with common tools. For example, welding bolts or
casting in concrete are two acceptable methods.
(3) It is recommended that half be provided as long
term parking, safe and secure from vandalism and
theft,
and protected from the elements.
The other half shall be provided as short term
(customer or visitor) parking, and it is recommended
that these spaces be visible and convenient to
building entrance.
Long term parking provides employees, students,
residents and commuters who generally stay at a site
for several hours a secure and weather protected
place to park. It should be
• Well lit
• Near foot traffic or other activity
• Visible to security or building users
A permanent cover of the space is needed for
protection from the elements.
Short term parking provides shoppers, customers,
and other visitors convenience and access.
Convenience is achieved if the location is visible from
the main entrance. Signage can help if location is
not readily visible.
(4) Any property owner required to have bicycle parking
may elect to establish a shared bicycle parking facility with
any other property owner within the same block to meet
the combined requirements.
(5) The following uses are exempt from these
requirements: Funeral parlor, undertaker, automobile
repair or body shop, gas station, and car wash.
(6) These requirements may be varied by the Board of
Appeals by Special Permit, based upon a determination that
the proposed bicycle parking facilities will adequately
address the purposes of this section.