Bike Parking & Security
There is no specific language in the Cincinnati Municipal Code or the Ohio Revised Code detailing where a bike may or may not be locked.
In general, where the sidewalk is narrow, try to park parallel to the curb and take extra care not to block the sidewalk with parked bicycles. Maintain access to traffic push buttons and cross walks, utility boxes, flower pots, and the entrances to businesses.
Please do not lock to trees, hand railings, news-paper boxes, outdoor café railings and other private property.
Along Sidewalks
Bicycles may be legally parked on sidewalks and locked at any parking meter, parking sign, or three-legged sign pole. Bicycles should be oriented parallel to the street to avoid blocking the sidewalk.
In addition to undesignated locations, over 450 bicycle racks have been installed throughout the City at shops, schools, restaurants, libraries, pools, and in many business districts.
Parking Garages
As of May 2010, bicycle parking is required in all new or expanded parking garages within the City of Cincinnati. This requirement will help to ensure an adequate supply of long-term bicycle parking, which provides employees, students, residents, commuters and others who generally stay at a site for several hours, a secure and weather-protected place to park bicycles.
Highlights of the law include:
- The requirements are applicable to every new parking garage, and for every expansion of an existing parking garage when the expansion includes the provision of sixty or more additional motor vehicle parking spaces.
- One bicycle parking space is required for every twenty automobile spaces, with a maximum of 24 bicycle spaces required.
- Bicycle parking spaces shall be located inside the garage in an area that is protected from inclement weather.
- Prices for bicycle parking will be left up to the market.
View Brochure: Bike Parking in Garages
Bike Corrals
Bicycle corrals are grouped bike parking installations placed in an on-street automobile parking space.
In March of 2010, DOTE installed the region's first bicycle "corral" on Lingo Street in the bicycle-laden Northside neighborhood. The Northside corral replaced one on-street automobile parking space with 12 bicycle parking spaces. On-street bicycle parking provides many benefits where bicycle-use is high and growing.
Given enough time and the right tools, any lock can be broken, but there are ways to reduce the likelihood of theft. Always be sure to lock your bike with a sturdy U-lock or stout cable, even if you think you will only be away from it for a short time. Use the lock to secure your bike frame and at least one wheel. Cables and U-locks can be used together to secure the frame and both wheels.
Be sure to lock to something solid and permanent. If you need to lock to a sign post, make sure the sign cannot be easily pulled out of the ground. If possible, lock your bike in a highly visible area that is close to your destination.
Before you leave, take anything that can be removed such as unlocked wheels, quick-release seat posts, lights, bike bags. If you can take it off, so can someone else.
Buildings are not required to provide bicycle parking; however, as of May 2010, bicycle parking is required in all new or significantly expanded parking garages within the City of Cincinnati. (CMC 413-16, and 1425-38). This includes private and public garages.