Windsor is considering updating its bicycle parking policies. Here's a look at the recommendations

When it comes to bicycle parking in Windsor, the city is out of date by the municipality's own admission.

That's why a report on bike parking policy is going before thecity's Environment, Transportation, and Public Safety Standing Committee on Wednesday, recommending an update to the policy for the first time since 2004.

"A detailed standards and guidelines document has been created to help provide more clarity on what is considered good practice for providing bicycle parking, for administration, developersand the public," the report states.

For Lori Newton, executive director of the advocacy group Bike Windsor Essex, anupdate on the issue is long past due.

"About 20 years overdue," she told CBC Windsor on Monday. "It's been a really, really long wait. We're happy that there's finally something to see."

According to the report, crime prevention principles were a point of emphasis in forming the new policy.

Among the recommended standards and guidelines: Bike parking should be located in "well-lit" locations, "highly visible" to both pedestrians and passing vehicle traffic, in hopes of theft deterrence.

It's also recommended that bike parking be visible from the main entrance of the building it serves, and that "every attempt should be made" to locate the bike parking within 15 metres of the entrance.

The policy even has things to say about bicycle rack styles, stating that racks should allow bikes to be secured through the frame and at least one wheel with use of a standard U-lock.

Diagrams and specifications in the new policy establish theideal spacing and measurements of bike rack structures.

There's also a section in the new policy detailingtemporary bicycle parking for special events.

Newton said sheagrees with many of the report's recommendations but she can't help but talk about why it's taken so long to putsuch ideas in writing.

"We've prioritized drivers," she lamented. "We focus on cars... London, Hamilton, so many other communities We're behind them on bicycle policy."

For example,Newton pointed out that thebike rack area of the city-owned Pelissier Street parking garage was originally the total opposite of the new policy's guidelines: It was a darkarea hidden from street view, opening onto an alley.

"Perfect for bike thieves," Newton said. "They could take their time."

Security of that bike rack area has since been improved with a surveillance camera, additionallightingand fencing to prevent alley access.

Another example Newton cites of the city's bike parking policy being behindthe times:The most common bike racks in downtown Windsor are a simple "post and ring" style that has been around for decades.

"Unfortunately, not every bicycle these days can be attached to them," Newton said. "Once upon a time, there were a lot of 10-speed bikes with skinny tires and all of the old bike racks accommodated those. But now, we have fat bikes. We have battery-assisted bikes. We have all sorts of bikes."

Newton believes that bike parking should be as simple and hassle-free as automobile parking. "When you come to a city and you have to park your car, you know that there are places and you know your car is going to fit in that spot."

"Bicycle parking (in Windsor) is less reliable and predictable. You'll get a post-and-ring rack. You'll get a rack where your bike won't even go in it."

The report does not suggest any additional city investment in bike parking. All bicycle parking onright-of-ways (public-use paths and sidewalks) has been and will continue to bebuilt and paid for by business improvement associations.

That responsibility is what led to the Pillette Village BIA and the Olde Riverside Town Centre BIA having bike racks with a unique design shaped like a bicycle.

Bridge Scheuerman, executive director of the Pillette Village BIA, said she came up with the idea for the bicycle-shaped bike racks, but they wouldn't have been possible without Coun. Jo-Anne Gignacusing ward funds to pay for them.

"We were trying to think of something that was different," Scheuerman said. "It had to be something that would be appealing to not just cyclists, but also people walking. Like an art piece that's what we were trying to get at."

Scheuerman estimates there are about 40 of the bicycle-shaped racks throughout Pillette Village and Olde Riverside, installed in 2022.

While she's not certain if the racks follow the specs of the updatedbike parking policy, Scheuermanbelieves they're plenty practical.

"They can hold at least two bikes each, and they're very sturdy," Scheuerman said.

Newton said she applauds any BIA for investing in bike parking. But she suggested that ease of useshould take priority overeye-catching design.

"I think that BIAs have to remember that although art is very important and lovely, ultimately, we need functional bike racks that people can actually park their bikes on," Newton said.

TheEnvironment, Transportation, and Public Safety Standing Committee meets 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.