Windsor is considering updating its bicycle parking policies. Here's a look at the recommendations

When it comes to bicycle parking in Windsor, the city is out of date — by the municipality's own admission.

That's why a report on bike parking policy is going before the city's Environment, Transportation, and Public Safety Standing Committee on Wednesday, recommending an update to the policy for the first time since 2004.

"A detailed standards and guidelines document has been created to help provide more clarity on what is considered good practice for providing bicycle parking, for administration, developers and the public," the report states.

For Lori Newton, executive director of the advocacy group Bike Windsor Essex, an update on the issue is long past due.

"About 20 years overdue," she told CBC Windsor on Monday. "It's been a really, really long wait. We're happy that there's finally something to see."

According to the report, crime prevention principles were a point of emphasis in forming the new policy.

Among the recommended standards and guidelines: Bike parking should be located in "well-lit" locations, "highly visible" to both pedestrians and passing vehicle traffic, in hopes of theft deterrence.

It's also recommended that bike parking be visible from the main entrance of the building it serves, and that "every attempt should be made" to locate the bike parking within 15 metres of the entrance.

The policy even has things to say about bicycle rack styles, stating that racks should allow bikes to be secured through the frame and at least one wheel with use of a standard U-lock.

Diagrams and specifications in the new policy establish the ideal spacing and measurements of bike rack structures.

There's also a section in the new policy detailing temporary bicycle parking for special events.

Newton said she agrees with many of the report's recommendations  — but she can't help but talk about why it's taken so long to put such ideas in writing.

"We've prioritized drivers," she lamented. "We focus on cars... London, Hamilton, so many other communities — We're behind them on bicycle policy."

For example, Newton pointed out that the bike rack area of the city-owned Pelissier Street parking garage was originally the total opposite of the new policy's guidelines: It was a dark area hidden from street view, opening onto an alley.