Siting a Bike Valet
Regardless of how well-planned and set up a valet service, patrons still need to be able to find it. Event valets should be situated near to an event entrance, facing the busiest cycling route that event attendees are likely to take. Fixed location valets, when serving a downtown area, should be situated within a 5 min walking distance to major tourist locations and commercial streets - preferably in any direction from the valet location.
Wayfinding
Wayfinding signage for all types of valets should create a clear path from active transportation routes to the valet. Install signs at key decision points such as turns or forks and try to make sure that signs are continuously in sight, so they can be followed like a breadcrumb trail.
Wayfinding signs should include clear, simple pictography and text, along with a direction, for example "BC Bike Valet Ahead" with a directional arrow, a bike pictograph, and P parking symbol. Print quality graphics useful for these purposes can be found and downloaded for customization in the signage section of this toolkit.
Signage
In addition to wayfinding, valets have several additional signage needs:
1) A sign at the entrance, explaining how to use the valet
2) A sign that shows when the valet is open and closed
3) A disclaimer that states what the valet is and is not responsible for
4) For busy valets, 1-3 signs indicating pickup, drop-off, and waiting areas
5) A sign encouraging patrons to scan a QR code and fill out a survey to provide insight into their motivations for using the service
6) A poster showing where else valet services can be found
Signage should make sure to emphasize the free nature of the bike valet.