Apply to install bike racks in the street

Service

In commercial districts, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can install a group of bike racks, known as a bike corral, in on-street parking spaces. The city prefers to put bike corrals near street corners as it improves visibility for people crossing the street. Fees may apply.

This application should take 15-20 minutes to complete.

What is a bike corral?

Bike corral with bikes parked at the racks

Bike corrals are groups of 6, 9, or 12 bicycle racks installed on the street in the parking strip in areas with high bicycle parking demand. Bike corrals accommodate 12 to 24 bicycles in the same amount of space as one or two auto parking spaces.

Portland currently has 152 bike corrals! (last update Sept. 2021).

Should I apply for one?

If you are a business or property owner with enough bike parking demand because you regularly see more than 10 customer bicycles locked outside, then a bike corral is a good choice. If you see fewer bicycles then installing additional bike racks on the sidewalk is a better solution.

Gather information

You'll need to provide your contact information as well as that of the appropriate property owner or management company. Be prepared to describe in detail where you would like a bike corral installed and as much data as you can provide about the current demand for bike parking at this location. The City prefers to locate bike corrals at street corners. You can send us pictures to help with the assessment. A fee is required in locations with metered parking. The City requires that the business and property owner approve of the corral installation and sign an agreement requiring minor, regular sweeping of the corral to keep it free of debris.