Bike Corrals
Local Business Impacts, Benefits, and Attitudes
Source: Portland State University School of Urban Studies and Planning
Portland's Bicycle Corral Program began with a single location in
2004. The exclusive on-street bicycle parking facility was successful
and led to the installation of 40 additional corrals city-wide by 2010.
The purpose of this preliminary study was to research and closely
examine the perceived benefits and impacts of bike corrals on local businesses proximate to a corral. Prior to this report, only a small
amount of anecdotal evidence had been collected regarding business
owner attitudes -- mostly from businesses that had requested a corral.
This study administered a web-based survey to local businesses and conducted a basic land use inventory to gather empirical information. Data were collected on all businesses within one half-block of a bike corral. The results of the survey indicate widespread local business support for the corrals with few exceptions. In addition, the businesses in the sample perceived that bicyclists, on average, account for one-quarter (24.8 percent) of their total customer base. More than two-thirds responded that they have seen the demand for bike parking rise over time, along with the rate of bicyclists as customers. Key findings from this study demonstrate that business owners commonly view the bike corrals as exemplars of sustainable transportation, which enhance the street and neighborhood identity, and increase foot and bike traffic. Using these responses as a guide, it can be determined that businesses recognize that the investment in quality short-term bicycle corral facilities has been an asset for both bicyclists and their commercial establishment.
