Help Shape Proposed Bicycle Parking Amendments in Building Code

The Building Standards Commission is updating the California Building Standards Code sections governing bicycle parking, pursuant to a 2022 law CalBike helped pass. That law requires bicycle parking standards to be added to the code during its next update. 

The commission seeks public comment by July 1, 2024. You can view the proposed rules online and see CalBike’s comment letter below for more information. Send comments to cbsc@dgs.ca.gov.

Why bicycle parking matters

A safe place to store a bike is essential if people are going to adopt the bicycle for everyday transportation. Bicycle theft is widespread, and leaving a bike out in the elements can increase wear and cause it to require more frequent maintenance. With the popularity of e-bikes, theft is an even bigger consideration. So the availability of secure bike parking in residential buildings is existential for bike riders.

Car parking adds to the expense of building, reduces the space available for housing humans, and encourages more driving. Bicycle parking is much more space efficient. Ample, secure bike parking in a residential building or at a business incentivizes and normalizes active transportation. 

Bike parking is a nerdy and arcane topic. But, like many such topics, it has a crucial role to play in our move toward more climate-friendly transportation.

CalBike recommendations: space for cargo bikes, e-bike charging, and short-term bike parking

The Building Standards Code will set minimum requirements for bicycle parking in new and remodeled residential and commercial buildings. Cities can have stronger requirements but must at least adhere to these minimums. 

The proposed change to the code would require 0.5 long-term bike parking spots per unit in residential buildings. We think that’s not enough and recommend doubling that to one spot per unit. These spots must include some that can accommodate longer or wider bikes such as cargo bikes and adaptive bicycles. In addition, the parking area needs outlets for e-bike charging.

For commercial spaces, the standard for requiring additional bike parking when remodeling is vague and will be difficult, if not impossible, to enforce. Rather than relying on a hard-to-measure standard of increased foot traffic, we believe the code should require businesses that don’t meet current standards to upgrade bicycle parking when they remodel or make improvements. 

See our letter below for more detailed and specific recommendations.