Other Operational Needs

Storage

Storage needs can vary across different types of valet service. Event valets will need room for, at a minimum:

  • Two plastic bins

  • Racks (at smallest, each rack occupies 5cm x 5 cm x 1.2m [2”x2”x48”] when folded)

  • Tent(s)

  • Chairs

  • Signage

  • Fencing 

During operation, fixed location valet services will need room for:

  • Three or four plastic bins

  • Tent

  • Signage

  • Left-behind bikes 

This assumes that for fixed location valets, racks are able to stay in place throughout operation.

Van and Trailer Storage

When a valet is not in operation, the materials need to be stored. While there are many possible ways to do this, a few key principles should be followed:

1)     Racks, bins and tents should be accessible without removing all other items—this generally means shelving or storage racks should be used.

2)     Signage should not be crushed, so it is reusable each year—hooks or dedicated shelves are a great way to do this

3)     Waterproof bins should be used to hold materials, so that items can be kept dry at the valet site as well as in storage

Transportation

As bike valet programs mature, it may be necessary for operators to purchase a dedicated vehicle, van, or storage lockup.

Left-behind Bikes

Larger events (especially late events that involve alcohol) will generate left-behind bikes. Event valets may want to purchase a chain and lock that can be used to lock left-behind bikes in place. Alternatively, they should have a volunteer or staff car with a bike rack, a staff van/truck, or be prepared to use a Modo or Evo carshare to transport leftover bikes. Valets should be clear in their contract with event organizers or other clients who are responsible for these bikes.  

Some bikes (especially for fixed location valets) may never be recovered. If this becomes an issue, operators should consider a partnership with local bike programs that need used parts.. ReBuy Cycle in Victoria, for instance, operates a free bicycle lending library for families in need, and benefits from bike donations sourced from left-behind bikes at Capital Bike-run valets.

Data Tracking

Ideally, valet services would be equipped to timestamp a patron’s drop-off and pick-up times. At a minimum, valets should keep track of how many and what type of bikes they park in a given day. A good bike tracking system makes this easy. All valets should also provide a survey designed to capture patron’s motivations for using the service.

See the Toolkit’s Data Collection guide for more information.