Organizing Bikes
Enclosures should be split between oversize bikes and regular bikes, with an area set aside as flex space. This flex space is the last area you should fill with regular bikes, which allows the flex space to be used for oversize bikes if the expected ratio of oversize to regular bikes is inaccurate.
The first thing to lay out is spaces set aside for oversize bike storage (generally e-bikes, but also including trailers, strollers, etc.). Oversize bike storage should be easy to access from the valet tent, with a clear walking path and a clear layout. For events parking more than 100 bikes, operators may need to label oversize areas (with chalk, stakes, tape, or signs) with letters indicating what is being parked where (see the tag system section for an explanation of how the letter system works).
Oversize bikes include all e-bikes, as well as any bike that is too large or unwieldy to put on a triathlon rack. Depending on the size and type of event, there may be a need to accommodate large numbers of these and other large bikes: cities like Victoria often reach close to a 50% share of oversize bikes, especially at family-focused events; whereas areas with fewer older and family cyclists will park as low as a 15% share. As ebikes grow in popularity and accessibility (particularly with the provincial e-bike grant program) we expect to see this share grow across the province.
Keep in mind that, when a service’s enclosure is on grass, especially after rain, oversize bikes are especially at risk of falling over. To prevent this, a valet will also need plywood squares, about 15cm (6") square, to place under the kickstands. Make sure to sand them to prevent splinters! It can also be helpful to have a handful of larger 20cm x 60cm (8”x 24”) plywood rectangles for parking cargo bikes.
When laying out an enclosure, consider how you will access each bike. There should be a clear and efficient path to the valet tent.
Image 7 – Start rows against fence to ensure proper spacing. Label sequentially.
Regular bike storage (racks) should be laid out in rows. For events with more than 100 bike capacity, operators may need to label their racks with letters indicating what is being parked where.
Image 8 – For each row, park bikes sequentially, starting in the far corner and working your way forward.
Flex spaces should also be left last in the order, with racks set up but ready to be moved aside. This allows attendants to park oversize bikes in this space if needed.
Preparing for High Throughput
Services expecting high-throughput operations need to prepare and plan ahead to keep things moving. Volumes of more than a bike a minute mean that bikes will be coming in and out of an enclosure at the same time, and lines will develop. To resolve this, operators should create two clearly signed (either with signs or pavement chalk) lines to either side of the valet entrance. This allows operators to bring bikes in on their way to bringing a bike out. This allows the enforcement of a “one bike in, one bike out” rule for when the valet fills up and also allows operators to block off the intake line as the valet approaches closing time.
When bringing bikes out of the enclosure in high-traffic times, staff should hand over bikes several meters clear of the valet entrance, to avoid congestion.
For the largest of events, it may be worth it to run two separate valets. At a point of about 200 bikes/hour, valet entrances become less efficient, especially as staff need to travel farther from the entrance to where bikes are parked.
