HURRAH FOR BIKE RACKS! Fatapple’s


Fatapple’s Restaurant and Bakery deserves extra credit for going the extra mile to welcome bicycling customers. They installed three attractive red bike racks — proudly displaying the Fatapple’s logo — in front of their building, with clear visibility from big shop windows. They even included a tool and pump station in case bicycle riders owners need air in their tires and a nut tightened. If only every business in our area were so forward-thinking.

Fatapple’s was definitely ahead of its time. But of course best practices are evolving; standards for bike racks are not what they used to be. The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals are promoting bike parking standards to make it easy to know what to do: what are the most usable bike rack designs, where should they be located vis- a- vis walls, curbs, and street furniture, and how should they be securely fastened to the ground.

The shortcoming of the racks at Fatapple’s is that they are too close to a wall; if they were just a little further from the wall, or out near the curb, each rack could park two bikes instead of just one. What business doesn't want more customers? Bike racks are not expensive and if installed well, a cost-effective way to attract loyal bike-riding customers. — Steve Price

Top image: Bike racks in front of Fatapple's

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