Analysis and planning of bicycle parking for public transport stations

ABSTRACT

This study investigates bicycle parking behavior at public transport stations. More specifically, this article discusses the siting of bicycle parking spaces at stations and selection between different bicycle parking devices. The insight can improve bicycle parking patronage at public transport stations.

A revealed preference database collected jointly by the Roads and Maritime Services of Australia and Parsons Brinckerhoff during October and November 2008 is used in this study. This data was obtained by visiting 146 of New South Wales's train stations, whereby observations of bicycles parked outside in the open air were made. The observations included counts of parked bicycles, counts of bicycle parking spaces, parking distances to station entrances, and the presence of streetscape features surrounding parking locations. The study also utilizes similar revealed preference data of bicycle parking in secure bicycle lockers, which are provided at 102 Sydney train stations. This data was collected in May 2011.

Data segmentation and graphical comparison shows bicycles parked outside in the open air are parked differently than those parked in secure bicycle lockers. Regression analyses find significant relationships between various streetscape and train station characteristics upon bicycle parking levels. Station patronage, appropriate distancing of bicycle parking infrastructure, and presence of passive and active surveillance were factors found to be predictive of bicycle parking. Ultimately, the study has implications on the provision, placement, and selection of bicycle parking infrastructure at public transport stations.

KEYWORDS:

• Bicycle parking
• nonmotorized modes of transport
• public transportation

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Heru Jatmika at the Roads and Maritime Services and Thomas Van Drempt at Parsons Brinckerhoff for sharing the open-air bicycle parking data.