Due to increased interest in biking in the region, we have depleted our inventory of bike racks and are looking for funding sources to purchase additional racks. For the time being, we are unable to award racks, but RIDE Solutions still encourages you to submit an application to go on our waiting list. We will also use this information to guage regional interest in providing safe bicycle parking accommodations, and work with our local governments to find alternatives. Thank you for your interest in our program!

The Bicycle Rack Donation Program seeks to encourage and facilitate bicycling as a viable means of transportation in the region through the donations of bicycle racks to local businesses and other activity centers. In order to provide easy access to bicycling as a commute option, RIDE Solutions has partnered with Sharebike.org to provide recipients the option of being a Sharebike location with access to a free Sharebike. Please see their website for more information. The donation program includes:

• Donation of one (1) or more bicycle racks per applicant (see Attachment C for design specifications)
• One (1) or more Sharebikes, upon approval of staff of Sharebike.org
• Bicycle rack location assistance (installation assistance may be available)
• Cycling, Walking, Public Transit, and Multimodal Information Packet
• Recognition of grant recipients - news releases, Regional Commission newsletter and web site
• Inclusion of bicycle rack location on regional bicycle facilities map and in regional bicycle facilities database

Local businesses and non-profits in the RIDE Solutions service area are eligible to apply (Attachment A). Grant applicants must either own the property on which the bicycle racks will be installed or provide proof of permission from the property owner to install a bicycle rack on the property. All bicycle racks must be installed outside of the public right-of-way unless permission is otherwise granted. If choosing to include free bicycles with their rack, applicants must be willing to sign Sharebikes in and out and process a small amount of paperwork provided by Sharebike. Approximately five minutes per customer will be required.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year. Please submit one (1) applications per location. Grant applicants can complete the application on-line using the form below, or submit one (1) hardcopy of the application by mail, fax, email (attach grant application and other documents) or in person at the Regional Commission office. Submit applications to: RIDE Solutions Bicycle Rack Donation Program, P.O. Box 2569, Roanoke Virginia 24016.

Regional Commission staff will review all received applications. A site evaluation will be scheduled within two weeks of receipt for applicants who meet the minimum criteria, including but not limited to usage of current facilities, if applicable; projected usage, projected audience, and need. Site evaluation will include suitability of location and proximity to existing bicycle facilities and routes. Racks will be awarded within four weeks of a site visit.

More than one rack may be requested by the applicant. The actual number of racks awarded will depend on site suitability, projected usage, and need.

Applicants who wish to participate in the Sharebike program will undergo a separate evaluation process by Sharebike staff.

Grantees will receive 1 or more standard U-shaped galvanized steel racks, each of which can hold two bicycles (see Attachment C for design specifications). Where possible, a standard foot model, which is bolted into a preexisting base material such as concrete or asphalt, is preferred; below-grade racks will also be awarded if the site requires it, though this will extend the award time by several weeks.

In some cases, a five-bike, foot model rack may also be awarded for particularly high-usage sites.

Sharebike.org will determine the number of bikes to be awarded to each location. Usually one bike will be awarded for every two parking spaces.

Questions regarding the Bike Rack Donation Program or the application process should be directed to Jeremy Holmes, Program Director, at (540) 342-9393 or via email.

Questions regarding Sharebike.org should be directed to Ron McCorkle at (540) 793-0859 or via email.

Please complete the form below, or download a .pdf of the application and submit the hardcopy.

RIDE Solutions Bike Rack Donation Application (271kb)