Best Bike Racks for Universities and Colleges

With our past clients, we’ve come to learn that university and college campuses are hubs of movement. University is a busy time for everyone! 

Whether it's students rushing to early morning classes, professors making their way to office hours, or campus visitors exploring the grounds, everyone needs a reliable way to get around. 

And for the eco-conscious, health-minded, practical riders, or just commuters out there, nothing beats a bike. But where do all these bikes go when they're not in motion? That’s when we enter to help you choose the best bike-rack. 

We know that a well-designed campus should have ample bike parking to accommodate the growing number of riders. And since we’re in the business of making cycling more accessible to all bikers with our bike repair stations, we know a thing or two about what makes a good bike setup. 

So, let’s break down the best bike racks for universities, ensuring bikes stay secure, organized, and ready for the next ride.

Bike Rooms!

While outdoor parking is great, especially when placed in advantageous locations, such as near a dining hall, dormitory, or main campus hub, indoor parking is next-level. 

Weather is not a problem either way with our racks at Halt, as they are all made of stainless steel to avoid rust due to the elements, so creating a bike room will, all in all, prioritize the most important thing: The comfort of student and faculty bikers. 

Having a bike room will allow students to know that their bikes are safe and secure, with a variety of rack options, heat or air conditioning depending on the season, and lockers to store belongings. Want to learn more? Visit our blog post on how to design a bike room.

What Makes a Great University Bike Rack?

​The University of Ottawa is actively enhancing its cycling infrastructure to promote sustainable transportation on campus, and we know many other Canadian universities are likely striving to do the same. 

But we also know that when we make our bike racks at Halt, wnot all bike racks are created equal. Each university campus has unique needs, such as high traffic, varying bike styles, and a demand for security. Here’s what we recommend to our clients to consider when looking for a bike rack:

1. Capacity – Can it handle a large volume of bikes without taking up too much space?

2. Security – Does it allow for both the frame and wheel to be locked securely?

3. Weatherproof – Will it withstand the elements and daily use? Visit our blog on weatherproofing bike rooms and their equipment to learn more.

4. Ease of Use – Can students and faculty quickly and efficiently park their bikes?

5. Integration with a Repair Station – Is it located near a bike repair station for quick fixes and maintenance?

With our expertise, we can guide you to the right bike rack. Let’s dive into the top contenders!

The Horizontal Rack

The Reliable Classic

The horizontal rack is, we know, a tried-and-true option for campuses everywhere. Simple, space-efficient, and highly secure, this design allows riders to lock both their frame and wheel with lock. Our horizontal racks are made of stainless steel, which allows placement of these racks to be inside or outside, depending on a campus’ needs!

Plus, it pairs beautifully with a nearby bike repair station, so students can tighten a loose bolt or pump up their tires before heading to class.

Pros vs. Cons

While these racks are great to accommodate a high volume of bikes, and a variety of bikes, from mountain bikes to e-bikes, it might not be the best option for indoor spaces, especially when working with a tight area in a bike room. Want to learn more?

Visit our blog post on designing a bike room when on space constraints. 

Horizontal Rack

Wall-Mounted Rack

The Ultimate Space-Saver

We know that tons of universities are looking to maximize space; for that, we always recommend wall-mounted bike racks as a fantastic option. 

These racks allow bikes to be stored vertically along walls, making them ideal for bike rooms, dorm buildings, and parking garages. They help keep walkways clear while ensuring bikes are stored in an orderly manner. 

Pros vs. Cons

We recommend wall-mounted racks when areas are tight on floor space, while also keeping them organized. On the other hand, they may not be the best option for quick parking, or for those able to lift heavy bikes.

Vertical Bike Racks

Space-Saving Powerhouse

If your campus is tight on space, vertical bike racks are the way to go. These racks allow students to hang their bikes by the front wheel, making them a great option for dorms, bike rooms, and indoor spaces. 

They save valuable ground space and keep bikes neatly organized and upright. However, similar to the wall-mounted racks, while they are excellent for compact storage, they can be less convenient for riders with heavier bikes, as lifting them into position requires extra effort. 

Two-Tier Bike Racks

Maximum Efficiency

For universities that see high bike traffic, two-tier bike racks offer the ultimate solution. Our stack racks and stretch racks feature an upper and lower level, allowing for double the bike parking in the same footprint. 

For those who may not be able to lift to the second tier: No worries! Our stack racks feature a lift assist to aid those in mounting and parking their bikes.

Want to learn more about which bike rack is best for your campus? Visit our blog post on choosing bike racks!

See below a video of our stretch racks in action, for our client Broccolini!

Why Every Campus Needs a Bike Repair Station

Ease with Fixes, at Any Time

No matter how great the bike racks are, students will still need a reliable place to fix flats, tighten bolts, and adjust their brakes. That’s why a well-placed bike repair station is a game-changer for any university. 

These stations typically include tools for minor repairs, such as wrenches and tire levers; and we’d also suggest throwing in an air pump for tires, and a wheel chock to help make those repairs go even smoother.

It’s a must to have public repair stations around so that students won’t ditch their broken bike if they can easily fix it, while also generally encouraging non-bikers to consider biking as a commuting option! 

Keeping Campuses Rolling

We know that every university has unique needs, so choosing the right bike racks depends on available space, budget, and bike traffic. 

Whether you opt for horizontal racks for their reliability, or either the stretch or stack racks for maximum capacity, make sure to install them in well-lit, convenient areas, and preferably near a bike repair stand for added convenience!

Ready to choose the best bike racks for your university campus? If so, universities, take note: secure bike racks and well-placed repair stations aren’t just an upgrade. They’re a necessity. Let’s keep those wheels turning and campuses rolling!