Inverted-U racks, post and ring, bollard racks, and custom architectural designs from the industry's leading manufacturers. APBP-recommended configurations with surface-mounted installation by RPS Building Specialties.
From APBP-recommended inverted-U racks to custom architectural designs, we supply the full range of commercial outdoor bike racks for any project.
Industry standard, APBP recommended. 2-3/8 inch OD steel tubing, parks 2 bikes per rack. Two-point frame contact accommodates all lock types. Surface-mounted with flange plate.
Compact single-post design with horizontal ring. Ideal for constrained sidewalk areas. APBP recommended with two-point frame support. Excellent for tight spaces.
Dual-purpose bike parking and vehicle barrier. Decorative cast iron, aluminum, or powder-coated steel. Parks 1-2 bikes per bollard. Popular at retail and restaurants.
Architect-specified themed designs, brand logos, and artistic forms. Cast aluminum, stainless steel, or powder-coated steel for design-driven projects.
Continuous undulating steel tube. Note: APBP does not recommend wave racks due to poor actual capacity. Cyclists typically use them as single U-racks regardless of rated capacity. RPS advises clients on this limitation.
Multiple racks welded to a steel rail with single anchor points. Simplifies alignment and reduces anchor points. Ideal for long rack runs along building frontages.
Choosing the right material determines your bike rack's lifespan, appearance, and maintenance requirements — especially in Southern California's diverse climate zones.
All RPS bike rack installations follow APBP (Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) spacing standards for optimal usability and code compliance.
An honest look at RPS surface-mounted bike rack installation capabilities and what falls outside our scope.
Outdoor bike racks are the foundation of any commercial bicycle parking program. Whether you manage a multi-tenant office building, a retail center, a school campus, or a municipal facility, providing secure, well-designed bike parking is an increasingly essential amenity. In Southern California, where cycling is viable year-round, property owners and facility managers are discovering that quality bike racks improve tenant satisfaction, support sustainability goals, and help meet local bicycle parking ordinances that are becoming more common across Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire.
The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) publishes the Essentials of Bike Parking, the industry standard for bicycle parking design. APBP recommends inverted-U racks and post-and-ring racks as the two best options for outdoor short-term bike parking. Both designs provide two-point frame contact, which keeps the bicycle upright and stable while allowing cyclists to use any standard lock type — U-locks, cable locks, and chain locks. Each inverted-U rack parks two bikes, making it the most space-efficient APBP-recommended option. Post-and-ring racks offer a slimmer profile for constrained sidewalk areas while still meeting APBP criteria for two-point frame support.
Wave racks (also called ribbon or undulating racks) remain one of the most widely installed rack types due to their visual appeal and low per-slot cost. However, APBP does not recommend them because their real-world capacity is significantly lower than their rated capacity. In practice, cyclists park one bike per valley — using the wave rack like a single inverted-U rack — because closely spaced bikes lean into each other, scratch each other, and are difficult to lock securely. RPS Building Specialties advises clients on this limitation and recommends inverted-U or post-and-ring racks as better alternatives for the same footprint. When clients still prefer wave racks for aesthetic reasons, we install them with clear expectations about actual versus rated capacity.
RPS Building Specialties specializes in surface-mounted bike rack installation on existing concrete surfaces. We use Tapcon screws and expansion anchors to secure flange-plate racks to existing sidewalks, plazas, parking structures, and building frontages. For long rack runs, we install rail-mounted systems that simplify alignment and reduce the total number of anchor points. Every installation includes APBP spacing verification and ADA clearance checks to ensure racks do not obstruct accessible routes. We serve all of Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Contact us at (714) 381-4196 or [email protected] for a free project quote.
Common questions about commercial outdoor bike racks answered by our product specialists.
The inverted-U rack (also called a staple or hoop rack) is the best all-around choice for commercial outdoor bike parking. It is recommended by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) because it provides two-point frame contact, accommodates U-locks and cable locks, and supports the bicycle in a stable upright position. Each inverted-U rack parks two bikes. Post-and-ring racks are also APBP-recommended and offer a more compact footprint for constrained sidewalk areas. RPS carries inverted-U and post-and-ring racks from Dero, Madrax, and other leading manufacturers.
Wave racks (also called ribbon or undulating racks) are not recommended by APBP because their actual usable capacity is significantly lower than their rated capacity. In practice, cyclists use wave racks as if they were single inverted-U racks — parking one bike in each valley rather than fitting bikes in every slot. Bikes parked closely together in a wave rack tend to lean against and scratch each other, and the single-point contact does not adequately support the bicycle frame. While wave racks remain popular for their visual appeal, RPS advises clients to consider APBP-recommended alternatives like inverted-U or post-and-ring racks for better real-world capacity.
For locations within five miles of the ocean in Southern California, we recommend Type 316 stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized steel with a premium powder coat finish. Type 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which provides superior resistance to salt air corrosion compared to standard Type 304 stainless. Hot-dip galvanized steel with a powder coat overlay provides two layers of protection at a more moderate price point. For inland Southern California locations, standard hot-dip galvanized steel offers the best value with a 20 to 50-plus year lifespan.
APBP recommends 36 inches center-to-center between racks, with a 30-inch minimum for constrained spaces. Racks should be set back 48 inches from walls (36 inches minimum) to allow users on both sides. Each row of racks requires 72 inches (6 feet) of depth, and access aisles between rows should be at least 60 inches (5 feet) wide. Racks should be placed within 50 feet of the primary building entrance for maximum visibility and convenience. RPS ensures all installations meet APBP spacing standards.
Surface-mounted installation uses flange plates with Tapcon screws or expansion anchors drilled into existing concrete. This is the most common method for existing buildings, tenant improvements, and retrofit projects — and it is RPS Building Specialties' core expertise. In-ground installation embeds rack posts directly into wet concrete before it cures, providing the strongest hold but requiring concrete work during new construction. RPS specializes in surface-mounted installation and coordinates with concrete contractors for projects requiring in-ground installation.