Create a Thriving Business District

BICYCLE RACKS

Bicycle racks encourage customers to ride a bike to your district for short trips and errands. Racks provide space for cyclists to park their bikes without cluttering up doorways or damaging street trees. Even better – the racks and installation are absolutely free!

To get a rack installed, call the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Spot Bicycle Improvement Program, at 206-684-8562. Requests received during the winter months are generally fulfilled more quickly than in the busier summer months.

SDOT cannot sell you racks for your private use but can provide a list of rack manufactures and assist with identifying an appropriate location for a rack on private property.

Frequently asked questions:

Can SDOT put a rack anywhere ?

Racks are intended for business districts and are only installed in the public right-of-way at locations that are attractive for bicyclists without obstructing pedestrians. SDOT requirements include a minimum setback of 3’ from the curb while leaving a minimum of 6’ of clear sidewalk width. Proximity to a building or business entrance and clearance from sidewalk furniture, crosswalks, bus stops and loading zones are also considered. Each request is followed up by a site visit to determine whether there are any appropriate locations for a bicycle rack.

Will a permit be needed for a rack?

No, SDOT will waive the Street Use permit requirement when approving the location or installing the rack.

When I have a bike rack installed, does the rack become my property?

No, the rack remains the property and maintenance responsibility of SDOT.

What should I do if the rack gets damaged or becomes loose?

Call the SDOT Bicycle Program at 206-684-8562.

What should I do if a bicycle has been abandoned on a rack?
Call the Seattle Police Department precinct in your area (see numbers listed on the next page in the Contacts Section). The Community Service Officers (CSO) will tag the bicycle and, if not removed within a certain time period, confiscate it.

Benefits and challenges of bicycle racks :

• Encourages bicycle use for neighborhood business trips and may increase available parking spaces.
• Removes bicycles from obstructing pedestrians at locations such as store doorways.
• Protects trees and shrubbery from damage by parked bikes.

• May take up to 2 or more months before installation is complete, depending on the City crews’ workload and priorities.