Bicycle Parking

General Parking Guidelines

When parking your bicycle, consider the safety of everyone and the security of your bike.

To keep other pedestrians, commuters and the urban environment safe, we encourage you to use bike racks and other street amenities designed for bike safekeeping.

Properly locking your bike when you leave it unattended helps reduce the likelihood of theft. Here are some ways you can park your bike securely.

• Research different types of bike locks and choose a lock that will deter theft and cannot be easily cut.

• Make sure you are using your lock correctly.

• Many bicycles are stolen out of yards or off porches. Ensure that you store your bike securely, even at home.

Keep the trees healthy and beautiful by not locking your bike to a tree, which can cause damage. Rather, lock your bike securely and safely to racks that are secured to the ground. Be sure you leave a pathway for others to pass by or access the space as well.

You can also help improve everyone’s bussing experience by minimizing usage of a bus stop post as a place to lock your bike. Bus operators use the posts to know where to stop and a locked bike can interfere with boarding and deboarding of passengers. Together we can make alternative commuting easy and accessible!

PREPARE FOR THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO BY REGISTERING YOUR BIKE

If your bike is ever stolen, you’ll need all the details about your bike (to report it to the police) and a community of people to look out for it on online resales sites.

Bike Index is the world’s most effective bike registry, giving you a 5x better chance of getting your stolen bike back. It’s free and easy. Be sure to include your bike’s serial number (usually on the bottom of the frame) and multiple photos of your bike.

Register your bike on the Bike Index.

SECURELY STORE YOUR BIKE WHILE YOU WORK OR PLAY

There are designated and secure facilities available through transit authorities to make bike storage convenient, accessible and safe. Check out some options below.

Convenient bike lockers at transit facilities

• Pierce Transit: Pierce Transit bike lockers are a great way to keep your bike safe and secure if you decide to leave it behind when you catch the bus! For a $50 deposit and $10 per month rental fee, you can be sure your faithful friend will be there to greet you on your return, unaffected by rain, snow or worse. Visit their website or call Pierce Transit at 253-581-8000 for details.

• Sound Transit:  Sound Transit is accepting new applications for annual rentals for bike lockers and the cage program. The cost is $50 a year, with lockers requiring $50 for the key deposit ($100 total). If you are interested in renting a locker or the cage please email bicycles@soundtransit.org stating your preferred location or station. Learn more about your bike parking options here.

Secure bike cages in downtown Tacoma

Secure, covered bike parking is now available at three downtown locations! The rental fee is $8 per quarter or $25 per year. Check out the bike cages at:

• Tacoma Dome Station
  Puyallup Ave & East G St, Tacoma
  Lower level between the two garages.

  • This site is managed by Pierce Transit. Please download the rental agreement to start the process.

• Pacific Plaza Parking Garage
  1250 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
  2nd floor (Enter on Commerce Street)

• Park Plaza North Garage
  923 Commerce St, Tacoma
  5th Floor (near the sky bridge)

  • This site is managed by Downtown on the Go!. Please download the waiver to start the process.

Parking your bike in work-sponsored designated areas

Some employers offer showers or bike parking facilities for employees. If you have questions about bicycle amenities available at your place of work, please contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator.

Want to encourage your employer to provide bike parking? In order to get people riding, people need the peace of mind knowing that their bike will be there waiting for them upon leaving their destination. Check out this guide to convince your employer to install secure bike parking.