D.C. Considers Bike Parking Requirements

The bill is being "praised by the cycling community but criticized by property owners as oppressive overkill."

"The measure mandates that all apartment buildings with more than eight units provide one bicycle parking space for every four residential units, demands that commercial landlords deliver enough bicycle parking to match at least 10 percent of the number of available automobile spaces, and requires the installation of bicycle racks at the Wilson Building for no less than 16 riders."

"The measure's provisions have sparked concern among commercial and residential property owners who fear the one-size-fits-all space mandates are onerous and will reduce already limited parking for vehicles, said Nicola Whiteman, vice president of government affairs with the D.C. Apartment and Office Building Association. Many residential buildings have little surplus indoor space, she said, and the racks set aside by businesses are often underused."