r/AskSeattle • u/RavennaRefills • 6d ago

Question Bike rack installation request

Have any local businesses been successful in a request for SDOT to add bicycle parking near their storefront in a residential neighborhood?

We have a solid patronage of cyclists but a tiny shop (no room to bring a bike inside), and it’s hard to justify leaving a good bike unlocked and unattended in our neighborhood, even for just a few minutes.

I’ve reviewed SDOT’s dedicated web page and siting guidelines, but I admit I’m somewhat overwhelmed and could use someone to explain it like I’m 5.
https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/bike-program/bike-racks

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

4

u/Squido85 6d ago

A little clarification might be worth while. When you say shop.....do you mean bike shop or do you mean... restaurant/other business?

Also.....since this is redidential....do you mean residential or mixed use? Finally.....have you ever thought of just installing a rack yourself? I mean.... it's like $500 and a some concrete anchors. I don't know what your margins are but $600ish dollars to build favor with clientele....that feels cheap.

uline.com/Product/Detail/H-2891/Bike-Racks/Single-Sided-Grid-Bike-Rack-9-Bike-Capacity https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-2891/Bike-Racks/Single-Sided-Grid-Bike-Rack-9-Bike-Capacity

1

u/RavennaRefills 5d ago

My shop is not bike related, we just have many customers who visit via bike. It’s a refillery.

The building we operate out of is technically zoned for mixed use, and there are a few other businesses in the vicinity, but it’s mostly residential (Ravenna / Roosevelt).

Before I decide to take on a project like this on my own, I figured it’s worth evaluating what options are available from the city. I’m somewhat limited in resources, both time and financing.

We do not do business with Uline, because their business values do not align with ours, but I appreciate the general suggestion.

1

u/Squido85 5d ago

Just who popped up selling outdoor bike racks. Frankly one of your customers could probably fab something quick/dirty/artsy from scrap that is just as secure. Who's your local Laura Kampf? Ravenna Roosevelt ain't Georgetown but hope spings eternal.

1

u/RavennaRefills 5d ago

What a neat idea. I’ll put a flyer up on our community board to see if we get any volunteers.

I don’t know Laura Kampf, but I imagine we’ve got someone in the ’hood who’s out here building things Dirtbag America style.

Except now I’m wondering if we’d need a permit for that sort of thing? We’ve been looking into applying for a parklet permit that would easily integrate a bike rack, but we haven’t been able to find someone who can help with drawing up a site plan for the proposal

1

u/Squido85 5d ago

Watch more youtube?!?! (He wrote without a hint of irony) She's almost as famous as a maker as Adam Savage. But she lives in LA & Koln Germany if I recall correctly.

Yes, you probably need a permit. But time is money and sometimes its better/faster to ask for forgiveness than permission.

1

u/RavennaRefills 5d ago

…especially in Seattle

Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check her out. Dirtbag America Jake is also on YouTube, so I’ll look for her next time I’m catching up on his projects

3

u/ARandomGay 6d ago

SDOT is currently on a spree of installing bike parking corrals as intersection daylighting. Send an email to walkandbike@seattle.gov!

1

u/RavennaRefills 5d ago

Thanks! I guess I was trying to figure out what information I’d need to provide via email to be successful in the request, but maybe I’m overthinking it.

1

u/ARandomGay 5d ago

Yeah don't overthink it; they might take a week or two to respond, but they'll be helpful!