Bike Corrals

What is a “Bike Corral“?

Bike corrals are temporary bike racks located on-street in the curbside lane. They also function as bump-outs or curb-extensions, narrowing the roadway. Typically placed in existing no parking zones at intersections, they turn disused road space into a place-making safety feature.

Bike Corrals may be permanently installed, but this guide focuses on temporary low cost options.

Benefits

Bike corrals enhance the visibility and safety of active transportation users.

• Parked bikes advertise cycling as a mode choice.

• Narrowing the roadway calms speeding.

• Narrowing the roadway at intersections reduces pedestrian crossing distances.

• Corrals prevent parking that blocks sight lines between road users.

Plan your Corral

Step 1: Pick a Location.

Figuring out where to start is the first step. Here are some tips:

• Conduct a walkability audit or talk to your community to identify intersections that may be good candidates.

• Identify an intersection with a marked crosswalk and a “no stopping zone“.

• When possible, pick locations on streets scheduled for repaving.

  • Bike corrals can be used to test road features before construction.

Step 2: Identify and engage stakeholders.

Your bike corral will be impactful, hopefully for the better. Understand your context to plan for success.

• Draft a concept design and plan your pitch. Emphasize the safety benefits of the corral.

• Meet with businesses, residents, and other neighbours early to pitch your project and build support.

  • Take time to listen to concerns — work with stakeholders to address their concerns as you finalize your design.

  • If your corral is to be located in a no parking zone, make it clear that it will not remove any parking spaces.

  • Track the stakeholders you have engaged.

    • Active Neighbourhoods Canada recommends tracking engagement with a Project Journal [p.5-6]

• Contact your local planning, transportation, and/or engineering & public works department for help navigating local policy and permits.

Step 3: Apply for a temporary construction permit.

Any alteration to a roadway requires a permit.

• The application may cost $100 - $200 and should include the following:

  • A map and photographs of the proposed location.

  • Construction specifications for the corral, including dimensions and materials.

  • Examples and precedents from other jurisdictions.

• During the application process, engineering staff may contact you with follow-up questions.

• The project may need to be tweaked to meet standards, take it as an opportunity to be creative!

Here are sample application and site plan from Portland, Oregon for an idea of info you may need to include.

2 Planter Boxes - $400

These can be made using this design, produced by a local carpenter or handy volunteers. They should be a maximum of 1 meter tall to avoid blocking sight-lines.

[Cost estimation includes cement blocks and fabric.]

Plants and Flowers - $300

Hanging baskets fit neatly in the planters, can be found cheap and pre-assembled at grocery stores, and allow for plants to be swapped out if needed.

Celebrate Local Groups

Have a school class, daycare, youth group, seniors’ centre or other group in your community collaboratively paint your planter boxes.

Celebrate Local Artists

Approach local artists who may be interested in decorating your planter boxes. Remember to compensate them for their contribution and credit their work.

Celebrate Local Business.

Offer a local business or business association the opportunity to advertise on your planter boxes in exchange for funding, materials, or services.