Bike Infrastructure for Multifamily Communities

By Mallory Bulman 

Per a 2015 report from the United States Census Bureau, the number of United States workers who traveled to work by bicycle increased from approximately 488,000 in 2000 to 786,000 in 2008 through 2012, which represents a larger percentage increase than that of any other transportation mode measured. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent National Household Travel Survey, trips made by bicycle in the United States more than doubled from 1.7 billion in 2001 to 4 billion in 2009. Whether this phenomenon is due to a growing number of urban commuters, a fitness trend or a continued emphasis on sustainability, it’s clear that people are depending on bikes as a primary mode of transportation. 

As Pew Research Center reported in July 2017, there are more U.S. rental households now than any time since 1965. The rise of bike commuting and the increasing rental population converge to create a problem for multifamily communities: bicycle storage and protection. In many cities, residents are forced to choose between leaving their bike outside, where it might be stolen, or bringing it into their unit, where it takes up space and tracks dirt and grease inside. 

To encourage cycling as a sustainable and pollution-free mode of transportation, biking enthusiast and custom metal fabrication industry veteran Richard Cohen founded Velodome Shelters, a company that designs and manufactures bicycle parking shelters, bike racks and bike storage products. At this year’s Greenbuild conference, held annually by the United States Green Building Council, Velodome showcased its newest innovation: the BikeGarage.

The outdoor structure only measures 56 inches wide and 13 inches long, making it slim and space-efficient. The BikeGarage is both weather- and theft-resistant with a lockable overhead door. Using Velodome’s MaxRack bike hangers, 9 bikes can be stored vertically in each BikeGarage. It is manufactured in anodized aluminum, with polycarbonate panels and internal rain gutters and downspouts. The lightweight steel door rolls up and down seamlessly, and can accommodate keyed or combination padlocks. 

Available in standard bronze, silver gray or powder-coated finishes, the BikeGarage’s polycarbonate panels and garage door can also be customized by color. Custom graphics and solar lighting are also available. 

By providing a variety of options to integrate bike storage into existing property infrastructure, the company hopes to make bicycle transportation more convenient and accessible.