CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure

Cargo/Non-standard bike parking infraestructure

(13 posts)
  • Started 5 years ago by CECactivetravel
  • Latest reply from CECactivetravel

  1. CECactivetravel
    Member

    Hi all,

    The City of Edinburgh Council is considering installing specific parking infrastructure for cargo/non-standard bikes. Does anyone here own a cargo/non-standard bike?

    We are proposing a modified Sheffield rack with a low bar and a plate. The purpose of the bar is to allow users to lock their bikes (all non-standard bikes have in common that they at least have a low bar). The purpose of the plate is to avoid "regular" users from using these spaces (or at least make them think twice before using them) as well as potentially using that space for a logo or cutout indicating the type of users it is aimed at.

    https://photos.app.goo.gl/abae4EBFeShLAteT8

    The other option is a regular Sheffield with markings on the footpath/road to indicate that that space is for special users. This design would still allow regular users to easily and physically lock their bikes to the rack.

    https://photos.app.goo.gl/J6ar49qHAJTT9zHp7

    All comments and suggestions welcome.

    Thanks very much.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  2. Roibeard
    Member

    I suspect that Sheffield stand racks will be difficult to reserve for cargo bikes.

    Something like a bar that can be rotated or slid into position across the low stepthrough will be more exclusively suited to cargo bikes - if that should be considered a requirement.

    Copenhagenize designed something in this vein with Cyclehoop.

    However, I thought Edinburgh had pretty much standardised on Sheffield stands with an additional lower bar - I've found these to be ideal for children's and cargo bikes without an even lower bar or plate being required. As long as there's enough space between the stands... Densely packed Sheffield stands have required two adjacent stands to be vacant, due to the width of the cargo bike.

    Robert

    Posted 5 years ago #

  3. acsimpson
    Member

    @CECat, your first link appears to be a standard Edinburgh rack rather than what you are describing.

    I ride a non standard bike/Helios tandem. Although it doesn't have a low bar in the way you describe. Other than being slightly longer than usual it fits almost all racks.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  4. CECactivetravel
    Member

    Hi all, thanks for your comments.

    I have uploaded a (hopefully) clearer drawing:

    https://photos.app.goo.gl/V944hQqMzQY2ce6N6

    This is an example of a cargo bike without a Regular "closed" frame:

    https://photos.app.goo.gl/yfJu4mA3RWAcKNULA

    I am happy to know that the height of the existing Sheffields serves as a locking bar for other models.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  5. CECactivetravel
    Member

    The bar of Copenhagenize is discontinued as it was/is not compatible with all cargo/non-standard bike models. I have already contacted Cyclehoop and they do not fit/produce it anymore.

    Thanks anyway. :)

    Posted 5 years ago #

  6. Arellcat
    Moderator

    I don't own a cargobike, but do use a velomobile a lot of the time, and a compact recumbent bike most of the rest of the time. The velomobile is very difficult to lock to things other than unobstructed poles or small diameter stanchions.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  7. CECactivetravel
    Member

    @Arellcat, thanks for contributing. Could you please clarify why do you find it hard? If you wish to continue this is private, feel free to email to:

    activetravel@edinburgh.gov.uk

    Otherwise, I am happy to keep the discussion here.

    Thanks

    Posted 5 years ago #

  8. Arellcat
    Moderator

    It's hard because there is no frame to lock to, only the bottoms of the wheels, and needs about 900mm of space between adjacent stands to be tipped on its side to reach the wheel. Admittedly, I am the exception.

    But most folding bikes are also in the less standard category, because the low frames are only compatible with either the vertical ends of a Sheffield stand or the tapping rail.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  9. acsimpson
    Member

    Thanks @CECac that makes a lot more sense to me now.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  10. CECactivetravel
    Member

    @Arellcat, we are looking to give at least 1m width and 4m length for these dedicated spaces. I understand that for your velomobile, a ground anchor would be more suitable than a rack with a low bar. I understand that you use a chain to lock it, right?

    @acsimpson. Glad is clearer now, What do you think about the design?

    Posted 5 years ago #

  11. acsimpson
    Member

    I think that the rack looks like it will serve the purpose. As you say it will make them think twice, especially if there is clear signage on them. I assume they will be installed with/close to normal racks which will further reduce the temptation to take a space unnecessarily.

    The panel could also be used for advertising if a suitable sponsorship opportunity was available.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  12. neddie
    Member

    we are looking to give at least 1m width

    1m separation between the stands would only allow one cargo bike per stand.

    To allow two cargo bikes per stand, you would need to separate the stands by 2m.

    As others have pointed out up-thread, putting bike stands too close together is a mistake.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  13. CECactivetravel
    Member

    @neddie

    @acsimpson

    Thanks for your replies and feedback.

    Yes, this rack should be located beside "normal" ones to cater for all users.

    Concerning distances: The footprint is 1m x 4m, when two are beside each other, a 0.6m width is left as a corridor (standard width from shoulder to shoulder for an average person).

    That is 2.6m from stand to stand in parallel. I will upload more drawings once I have finalised the design. As always, happy with any feedback, good and bad.

    Thanks.

    Posted 5 years ago #

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