Miami Beach is inherently bikeable. It has a well-connected grid of small blocks, a mixed-use pattern of land uses and several key destinations reachable within a short ride. In addition, the City now has a bicycle master plan adding bicycle lanes and bicycle parking. This fact, however, does not prevent the city from having a few terrible examples of bicycle parking. This weekend I chose to document what I find to be the three worst specimens. In descending order:
# 3. The second-runner up goes to this “Wave” style bicycle rack located at Lucky Strike on Michigan Avenue. Although wave style racks can be useful, they must be placed so that both the wheel and the frame can be locked to the rack. In this particular location, the rack is about six inches too close to the wall, meaning that the tire hits the wall before being able to properly fix the bicycle to the rack. This results in a bicycle more apt to fall over, or a bent tire in the event that a thief decides he/she wants the bicycle more than you do.
# 2. The first runner-up goes to this unused rack located behind a bus shelter at the Miami Beach Post Office on Washington and 13th. Like the rack above, this rack is too close to the railing/wall. In addition, this style of rack gets the “ambiguous use” award. Does one put their wheel in the wide slots, or the narrow? Do you lift the bike over the top of the rack and let it rest at a 45 degree angle? I have seen all three maneuvers performed, but actually suggest none of the above. Go find a street sign, as this one is useless.
And the worst bike rack on Miami Beach goes to…
…this ridiculous wave rack located at the Bank of America on Alton Road. I think the images speak for themselves.
Mike, does the Beach have a Bicycle committee?
That last one gave me a good laugh! …but at least it’s “usable’
I used to be on a bicycle everyday in South Beach.
I will not recommend the street signs, especially the ones for parking signs. They are very thin and are held only by two bolts. If you have a nice bicycle it will be very easy for a thief to unbolt the sign and take the bicycle. Also they can just push the sign that will break and then they can go away with the bike. These signs are not strong enough.
So always lock the tire and the frame. The frame only is not enough.
For what its worth, because a bicycle is a great way to get aruond here.
Best regards.
FD @ Condo Hotel South Beach
As far as I know, Miami Beach does not have a bicycle action committee. There was a local group meeting about bicycle issues, but the last I heard it was falling apart due to a lack of focus.
If anyone else has details, please chime in.
Yes, street sign are not the safest if you are to leave your bike out overnight. However, I find them useful when doing errands or going to the gym. They actually are quite strong and are buried deeper into the ground than you think (read: they are designed to withstand being hit).
Ridiculous. lol
Hilarious yet informative. Thanks
Well, whaddya know?! My bike was stolen from the THIRD worst bicycle rack in Miami Beach on Wednesday night. Perhaps I should upgrade it to 1st?!
Gday, Your post st Bike Rack(s) On Miami Beach | Transit Miami expressed my opinion exactly. parking signs is an interesting topic with pros and cons that can be argued.
This made me laugh out loud. Keep up the good work!
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